Texas, United States
The Cedar Elm STEM Center at Northwest Vista College is more than a building—it is a visionary space fostering curiosity, collaboration, and connection for students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This 48,500 SF facility is a beacon of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, setting a new standard for community college STEM education in the Alamo Colleges District.
The Cedar Elm STEM Center by Overland Partners, received an 2025 American Architecture Honourable Mention from The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design.
Recognizing San Antonio’s challenges with urban sprawl and accessibility, the STEM Center was strategically positioned to provide safe, affordable, and sustainable transit options. With three major bus routes, extensive bike infrastructure, and a walkable, tree-covered campus, the design prioritizes equitable education, ensuring students from all backgrounds—especially those historically underrepresented in STEM—can fully engage in their learning.
The Cedar Elm STEM Center was shaped through extensive engagement with students, faculty, and local stakeholders. The project team facilitated collaborative sessions and digital surveys, allowing the campus community to define priorities for the new facility. The result is a dynamic educational environment that fosters interdisciplinary learning, connection to nature, and a strong sense of belonging.
Unlike traditional STEM buildings, which often feel cold and isolated, the Cedar Elm STEM Center embraces a holistic, nature-integrated design. Nestled into a grove of heritage oak trees, the L-shaped building preserves the natural site, enhancing passive cooling and creating a shaded central courtyard—a critical outdoor learning and gathering space in San Antonio’s climate.
The elevated main floor, or “piano nobile,” serves as a vibrant hub, connecting the two academic wings. This space encourages natural interaction between students and faculty, breaking down traditional silos. Transparent classroom and office layouts further reinforce the openness and accessibility of STEM education.
A defining sustainability feature of the Cedar Elm STEM Center is its passive cooling strategy. Located near the central campus lake, the building takes advantage of prevailing breezes, which are funneled through the shaded ground-level porch and courtyard, creating one of the most comfortable outdoor gathering spaces on campus.
Additional sustainable strategies include:
Daylighting optimization: Strategic overhangs and shading minimize glare and heat gain while maximizing natural light, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
Bird-friendly façade design: Glass façades feature subtle frit patterns inspired by genetic sequencing, preventing bird collisions while reinforcing the building’s STEM identity.
Adaptive infrastructure: Designed with oversized utility chases and flexible lab layouts, the facility accommodates future technological advancements and curriculum shifts.
The Cedar Elm STEM Center provides cutting-edge learning environments, ensuring students have access to advanced technology and collaborative spaces. Key features include:
Flexible, general-purpose classrooms adaptable to evolving pedagogies.
Specialized labs for chemistry, engineering, math, physics, and genetics, designed with abundant natural light and transparent interiors to promote interdisciplinary learning.
Tutoring and student support spaces, creating an inclusive, welcoming academic environment.
Instructor offices and common areas, integrated into student spaces to encourage accessibility and mentorship.
A two-story lobby and social hub, offering panoramic views of the lake and tree canopy, fostering a dynamic space for STEM celebration and community engagement.
Outdoor learning areas, including shaded study terraces and a dedicated food truck plaza, enhancing the student experience.
Northwest Vista College is committed to providing high-quality STEM education that reflects and serves San Antonio’s diverse communities. The Cedar Elm STEM Center embodies this mission, ensuring students of all backgrounds have the resources and opportunities to succeed.
“Our new STEM Building will spark even more innovation and technology-based education, strengthening local and regional partnerships while preparing students for careers of the future.” “Dr. Ric Baser, President, Northwest Vista College “
By seamlessly integrating community-driven design, sustainability, and advanced educational spaces, the Cedar Elm STEM Center is a model for the future of STEM education, proving the transformative power of architecture in learning.
Architects: Overland Partners
Design Team: Adam Bush, Tristan Andrews, Albert Condarco, Benjamin Parker, Jakob Hyde, Brad Schaefer, Yanjing Chen, Fernando Ortega, Josh Newton, and Brady Dietert
General Contractor: SpawGlass Holdings Inc.
Client: Erin Sherman, Alamo Community Colleges District
Photographers: Dror Baldinger
