In collaboration with XL Construction, Ratcliff is currently working with Berkeley City College to design a new six-story academic building which will expand their campus from one to two buildings in downtown Berkeley. The new building will house general assignment and specialty classrooms, art studios and a learning resource center, as well as student services and support areas and administration offices. Through visioning and program validation during the Collaborative phase, we identified project goals to create a welcoming place; one that fosters a sense of belonging, with a strong connection to the existing Center Street building (completed by Ratcliff over a decade ago). The project involves an inclusive and collaborative stakeholder engagement process to develop and prioritize options within the stated project budget. The design is responsive to its urban context with visual transparency and street-activation; and a system of linked social spaces that prioritize user interaction and collaboration.