Case Study: Claremont Colleges

1 Mar, 2026
Case Studies

Project

Shanahan Center for Teaching & Learning (Harvey Mudd College)
Millikan Laboratory (Pomona College)

Location

Claremont, CA

Architect

Boora Architects (Harvey Mudd)
EHDD (Pomona)

Lead Architect

Michael Chewning, K–12 Studio Director

General Contractor

MATT Construction

Featured Wall Solutions

3 sets of motorized vertical sliding chalkboards (10’W x 18’H) on three tracks for Harvey Mudd
3 sets of motorized vertical sliding markerboards (8’W x 10’H) on two tracks for Pomona

Custom Vertical Sliding Systems for Claremont Colleges

Platinum was selected to design and deliver custom Writanium® vertical sliding chalkboard and markerboard solutions. These systems are essential teaching tools in the classrooms of Harvey Mudd’s Shanahan Center and Pomona’s Millikan Laboratory today, creating modern spaces that balance innovation, durability, and architectural design.

Project Objectives

Enable Modern Teaching: Provide large-scale vertical sliding boards that allow faculty to teach effectively in high-capacity lecture halls.
Engineer Custom Solutions: Design oversized motorized chalkboards and markerboards with precise control and smooth movement.
Support Sustainability Goals: Deliver products meeting Indoor Advantage Gold certification and aligned with LEED Gold building standards.
Ensure Durability: Incorporate Writanium® porcelain steel surfaces with lifetime warranties to withstand years of heavy use.
Collaborate Seamlessly: Work with architects, contractors, and school administrators to meet tight timelines and unique specifications.

The Challenge

Both Harvey Mudd College and Pomona College needed teaching solutions that matched the scale and vision of their new facilities. The 300-seat lecture hall in the Shanahan Center required massive sliding chalkboards that could move smoothly and stop precisely where needed. Meanwhile, Pomona’s 100-seat colloquium space demanded durable vertical sliding markerboards with reduced vibration and quiet operation.

The Platinum Solution

Platinum engineered and delivered motorized vertical sliding board systems customized for each space. For Harvey Mudd, three 10’ by 18’ chalkboards on three tracks were developed with custom manifolds and limit switches to ensure precise control. For Pomona, three 8’ by 10’ markerboards with Writanium® porcelain steel writing surfaces were built to provide durability and long-term performance. Both solutions combined size, function, and efficiency, meeting the unique instructional needs of each facility.

Everyone enjoys using the whiteboards; they really maximize the space.

Brian Faber
Project Manager, Pomona College

The Results

Platinum’s team managed design, manufacturing, and delivery on time and on budget, ensuring seamless integration into both buildings. The results were striking: Harvey Mudd’s lecture hall now features an iconic teaching wall used by all science and engineering disciplines, while Pomona’s Millikan Laboratory showcases collaborative classrooms and a colloquium anchored by Platinum’s markerboards. Faculty and students alike praised the new tools, noting how they maximize space, improve teaching flow, and enhance the learning experience.

The new building is fantastic… It’s just more suited for a classroom learning experience.

Ivan Wong
Engineering Student, Harvey Mudd College

Supporting Documents

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