AVONDALE, Arizona – September 26, 2014 – Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC), one of the ten Maricopa Community Colleges, received the Crescordia Award for Site Development and Landscape in the Public Sector category of the 2014 Arizona Forward Environmental Excellence Awards.
EMCC completed construction of the Estrella Hall and Conference Center in fall 2013. The campus expansion project included a strategic focus on sustainable structures and landscapes, designed to reinforce the fabric of the campus by continuing a series of linked garden spaces, and become a central core for the campus.
The Arizona Forward awards spotlight distinguished projects throughout the state that demonstrate a high level of environmental commitment and contribute to the region’s overall sustainability. The coveted Crescordia Award (a Greek term that means “To Grow in Harmony”) set standards for the exceptional physical, technical and social development of our state.
According to Arizona Forward, the low maintenance landscape surrounding the campus’ new structures appears complex and wild; however, it consists of all low-water-use, climate appropriate planting with drip irrigation. The success of the landscape reveals that even with an extremely modest budget, if coupled with a critical understanding of microclimate, plants, materials and detail, can create meaningful and engaging learning settings.
The 34th Annual Awards Gala was held on Saturday, September 20, 2014, at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, AZ. Chancellor of Marciopa Community Colleges, Dr. Rufus Glasper, accepted the award.