The new 93,000 GSF, four-story student housing at Long Beach City College introduces 431 beds,  marking a transformative step in the college’s evolution as a vibrant, student community.   An open and welcoming plaza greets students as they return from class, creating a lively communal heart  at the project’s threshold. A grab-and-go market with adjacent outdoor seating opens directly onto the expansive plaza, fostering interaction, activity, and a strong sense of belonging from the moment  students arrive. The architectural design emphasizes warmth, texture, and human scale through the use  of mass timber and biophilic design elements, cultivating an environment that feels both natural and  enduring. A pod-based living model further strengthens community by encouraging daily interaction  and shared experiences. Each pod houses 34 students (33 residents and 1 RA), forming smaller,  human-scaled families that nurture meaningful connections within  the larger campus community.