Communication Arts Complex at Cuyamaca College

Project Summary

Carved into a hillside, the three-story Communication Arts Complex serves as the visual landmark when entering the campus. Its central vertical circulation structure serves as the primary means of pedestrian travel between its upper and lower levels; a difference in elevation of 30 feet. The construction of the complex incorporates a permanent shoring system that utilizes steel-wide flange soldier piles with pressure-grouted tiebacks, timber lagging and a shotcrete wall. This was the first implementation of this type of earth-retention system checked and approved by the Division of the State Architect’s San Diego office.