RIMAC ANNEX

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO

LA JOLLA, CA

This building occupies a very prominent, hillside site along the “Ridge Walk” that bi-sects the North Campus at UC San Diego. The Ridge Walk commemorates the original alignment of US Highway 101 as it traversed the site prior to the establishment of the university. The three-level, 15,700 SF building provides an upscale café, a campus store, and a lounge on its main level; a conference center on the lower level; and additional dining and lounge space on the upper level. All spaces have a direct relationship, visually and physically to the outside, taking advantage of the extraordinary climate and views to the foothills and the ocean. Envisioned as a transparent building – the west façade of the project is a plane of glass fronted by a dynamic screen wall – balancing the need for views and visibility with the need for sun screening, light control, and natural ventilation. The more sculptural east façade expresses the functional massing of the interior program elements and became a backdrop for the campus softball stadium and field, also part of the project.