Project File: Futuristic showcase

The Kight Center for Emerging Technologies at Indian River Community College, Fort Pierce, Fla., is a 94,000-square-foot, four-story building. It features a 225-seat distance-learning auditorium; an imaging dome that encompasses two stories and 2,700 square feet that can be separated into three 900-square-foot interactive classrooms; and a photonics laboratory or “black room,” designed for instruction in the use of light in laser technologies, fiber optics and optical imaging.

The building's interior is four floors surrounding a 70-foot-tall atrium. Lighting and various finish materials are used to provide a high-tech atmosphere. Interior finishes include natural linoleum flooring in intricate patterns to simulate computer circuit boards and removable computer access flooring. The atrium has a 30-foot triangular light bar made up of theatrical and stage lights. The three elevated floors in the atrium are bordered by LED lighting with more than 1 million light bulbs.

The architect is Florida Architects (Orlando). The construction manager is H.J. Construction Company (Orlando).