The initial phase of the Monterey Peninsula College Marina Education Center involved the construction of the first of several anticipated quads or courtyard groupings. The quad concept allows the campus the built in phases while appearing complete at the conclusion of each phase. The quads also allow for more hospitable outdoor gathering spaces with the buildings providing a foil for the prevalent northwest winds. The buildings utilize sitecast concrete walls for the major seismic restraint system allowing significant glass walls on the north and south sides which allows the teaching spaces to be infused with an abundance of natural light. A vertical access wind turbine (VAWT) sits in an iconic tower element at the entrance to the quad from the parking lot.