The Nave

The Nave is the center of campus, a gathering space surrounded by most of our shops, studios, and labs. As you head to class, you’ll pass by critiques from all programs, see pop-up exhibitions, and run into friends. This ever-changing place is what we’re all about.

📍1111 8th St., ground level

Media Gallery

A dozen students play in an inflatable bounce house.
Architecture students and faculty view models and drawings on v-shaped tables running the length of the Nave.
A person stands on a ladder, hanging an installation of gauzy mesh and prisms. Toward the back of the light-filled space, four people suspend large-scale photographs.
An altar composed of photos and perforated paper cut outs and flowers.
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💡 An endless moodboard

Anyone can walk through the long, open atrium to check out what students are working on. Here, students are continually exposed to each others’ work across disciplines, fostering a strong culture of community and inspiration.

🤝 A community space

The Nave is the heart of student life, where events like Chimerapalooza and student club fairs are held. The long, flexible space can be transformed into a fashion show runway, a pop-up exhibition, or for gathering opportunities like the annual Career Expo or National Portfolio Day.

Land Acknowledgment

CCA is situated on the unceded lands of the Ohlone peoples.

👀 Pop-up critiques and exhibitions

CCA’s open critique culture is on full view in the Nave, where programs across the college display and review work. The walls are moveable, so students and classes can set up the space for critiques, events, performances, and more.

Exhibition opportunities

The Exhibitions and Public Programming team makes exhibitions happen in spaces across campus, including large-scale installations, senior shows, and other presentations.

Campus Map

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