A newly designed 3.8 acre quadrangle is being planned for the center of San Diego Mesa College’s campus as the construction of space-efficient buildings occurs to replace outdated classrooms.

The Offices of James Burnett – a local landscape design company – will be creating a tentative layout for the quad based on the many ideas that were discussed during the first phase of meetings.

“The university has done a campus master plan that focuses on creating a core of higher entity buildings that are organized around this central open space,” said Nathan Elliott of The Offices of James Burnett during the quad brainstorming meeting on Sept. 15.

Right now, Mesa College is in the process of determining what features will be included in the new quad in order to help create a more unique culture across the campus. Options for how the spaced can be used were discussed in the brainstorming workshops that were held on Sept. 15 and Sept. 16.

To encourage more inclusive, outdoor events the idea of an amphitheater with audio and visual equipment was one of the ideas discussed during the brainstorming meetings. If included in the plan, the amphitheater could potentially hold 200 to 500 people for concerts, assemblies and other community events.

“I think the amphitheater is a really good idea because it would be good to have a place for people to go play their guitar, perform, and express their art,” said dramatic arts student Evelynn Brule.

The concept of bringing in a greater sense of diversity that reflects the cultural diversity of Mesa College’s students was a popular idea from campus faculty and students alike.

“I hope this will be that opportunity where we reflect the diversity of the campus and of the student body, where we do some sort of bold, public art with color. That also will be at the core of it, the community,” offered Dr. César López, associate professor of Chicana and Chicano Studies at Mesa College.

Outdoor classrooms to accommodate the occasional break from the confines of four walls may also be included in the new quad’s construction, as well as an edible garden for use by Mesa College’s culinary arts and culinary management program.

Students and faculty can add their input into the new quad planning in a survey available in the Learning Resource Center.