Chabot College Library and Learning Connection Tour

The new 100,000 square foot, $91 million Library + Learning Connection (LLC), the flagship project of Chabot College’s Measure A Bond. This innovative project serves as a community hub and landmark located in the physical heart of the post-war campus’ Grand Court. The new building fosters deep connections through interconnected student- and faculty-responsive services and spaces, including the interdivisional Learning Connection Center, computer labs, study and collaboration spaces, meeting rooms, staff training spaces, a Multicultural Research Center, maker space, family spaces, and flexible event spaces.

The Library + Learning Connection project opened for the Fall 2024 semester. Group 4 is the Architect of Record and HMC Architects is the Co-Design Architect. Watch the video below to hear Group 4 Principal Andrea Gifford discuss the design and programming of this new landmark facility, and the impact it is having on student life.

Watch the video– Chabot College Library & Learning Connection Video

Meet our Presenters

David Schnee, AIA ACIP LEED, Principal, Group 4

David Schnee is a design leader and Principal at Group 4 Architecture, known for his collaborative, community-centered approach to public architecture that balances thoughtful engagement with innovative design. As Principal-in-Charge of the Chabot College Library & Learning Connection, David guided a deeply inclusive process to realize a vibrant campus hub that supports student success, social connection, and flexible learning environments. His work reflects a commitment to design excellence, stakeholder participation, and creating places that resonate with their communities. David’s leadership and design has shaped impactful civic and educational Group 4 projects that inspire connection, learning, and discovery.

Marko Blagojevic, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Managing Principal, HMC Architects

Marko is a Lead Design Principal for HMC Architects in Northern California. He has over 20 years of experience designing education, and healthcare facilities, including supporting Group 4 on the design of the new Chabot College Library & Learning Connection. As one of HMC’s regenerative design leaders, he strives to instill innovative ideas into high-performance design solutions that positively impact learning and healing environments.  An award-winning designer, many of his projects are recognized for high levels of sustainability and have achieved industry recognition.

Michael Stroud, DBIA, LEED AP, Project Manager, Chabot College

Michael Stroud is a Project Planner/Manager at Chabot College, overseeing planning and construction for campus capital projects. He previously spent 17 years as a Construction Manager with Swinerton Management & Consulting, primarily working on community college and K-12 programs. While at Swinerton, Michael was the primary Construction Manager for the Chabot Library and Learning Connection project and was instrumental in shepherding its success. Michael has extensive experience managing projects through design-bid-build, design-build, and lease-leaseback delivery methods. He is both LEED accredited and DBIA certified, bringing a comprehensive perspective on sustainability, collaboration, and innovative project delivery to his work.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Visualize how the design of the Chabot College Library & Learning Connection helps students navigate college life outside of class and fosters student community.
• List and explain elements of the Library & Learning Connection’s socially and culturally inclusive design.
• Identify key methods and tools used in the project’s programming and design process to engage wide-ranging stakeholder groups including students, faculty, college and district staff and administrators, and local community members.
• List key elements of the project’s locally-responsive architectural and sustainable design elements that contributed to its approval by California’s Division of the State Architect as well as LEED-NC Gold certification.

1.5 HSW LU Approved

Saturday, March 21st
10:00 am – Networking
10:30 – 11:00 am  – Presentation
11:00 – 1:00 pm – Building Tour

Registration is now open!
AIA Members  $15
Non-members $25
Students            No charge

Image Credit: Lawrence Anderson

Many Thanks to our Event Sponsor