Laney College – a 60-acre campus nestled near Lake Merritt BART and the Kaiser Convention Center – engaged STV to create a master plan that more fully aligns its physical environment with its educational mission. The intent was to modernize aging infrastructure, strengthen connections to surrounding Oakland neighborhoods and position the campus to support future growth with an integrated, sustainable identity.
What challenges did STV address?
Many of Laney’s buildings were constructed mid-century and shared a red-brick, concrete aesthetic that no longer met contemporary academic or facility standards. The campus also required new or reconfigured spaces to support evolving programs, student services and community uses and it lacked strong connections to the surrounding urban fabric – a gap that limited both pedestrian access and campus integration with the city.
What strategies did STV deliver?
STV’s master plan began with a comprehensive facility analysis that assessed condition, functionality and spatial efficiency across the campus. From there, the plan outlined strategic alternatives for renovation, demolition and new construction to realize academic and community priorities. In parallel, STV proposed design guidelines and sustainability principles to unify the campus aesthetic and environmental performance. The planning process was informed by robust stakeholder engagement, with faculty, students, administrators and community members shaping the vision through interviews, workshops and online feedback.
How does this plan benefit Laney College and Oakland?
This plan lays the foundation for a transformed campus that better serves students and the community. It strengthens ties to neighborhoods, delivers teaching and learning environments aligned with modern pedagogy and crafts a more inviting campus atmosphere through improved circulation, landscape and identity. By sequencing development thoughtfully, the plan enables phased implementation that strikes a balance between ambition and practicality.
Key Stats and Highlights
- Campus Context: A long-standing Bay Area campus with mid-century facilities in need of modernization and a stronger identity
- STV’s Role: Created a forward-looking Facilities Master Plan aligning with the District’s Educational Master Plan
- Program Priorities: Enhancements to teaching and learning spaces, cultural and performance venues, student life facilities, and campus circulation and access
- Outcome: A roadmap that balances preservation and renewal while positioning Laney College as a more welcoming, sustainable, and community-connected institution
