The Academic Information Resource Center at Sacramento State is both the physical and virtual heart of the University campus. We designed this forward-reaching building to meet the University’s needs well into the 21st century. Housing the campus data center, the computer room for all campus servers and networks, it also provides computer resources for faculty with labs for lesson planning, testing, syllabi and other web-based needs. Additionally, it provides go-to labs and wireless network lounges for students’ use around the clock.
The University requested a top-floor location for the main server room for both flood protection (the site is adjacent to the American River levee) and logistical security. We responded to their request with an innovative shock-absorbing structural seismic system featuring viscous lateral dampers—a first for the campus. The building quickly became a popular study destination, as well as a comfortable place to hang out between classes.