As UCSD and the San Diego region began to emerge as an internationally recognized leader in health sciences education, bio-engineering and life sciences research, the University saw the need to renovate and significantly expand it’s Bio-Medical Library. Hired to program, plan and design the library’s renovation and expansion, our concept doubles the size of the existing facility, bringing together collection and staff resources with a variety of spaces for study and learning. Our design approach was to complement rather than compete with Robert Evans Alexander’s landmark structure, designed in 1966. The existing roofline is matched by the wide concrete roof overhang of the new addition, while the upturn roof at the southwest corner gives the building a dramatic presence at the entry to the campus. Glowing in the evening hours, the building serves as a landmark to students and visitors alike.

Project Data

Complete
74,000 sf (41,900 sf addition)

Program & Highlights

24/7 computer reading rooms
Touchdown stations for semi-private research
Group study/consultation rooms
Training facilities

Recognition

2007 American Concrete Institute/San Diego Chapter
2006 Concrete Award for Excellence in Architectural Concrete

Collaborators

MEP: Ove Arup & Partners
Civil Engineer: Psomas Associates
Landscape Architect: Burton and Spitz
Lighting: Fisher Marantz Renfro Stone
Photographer: Tim Griffith