The site is located within an existing sloped landscape that overlooks the North Campus recreation fields at the convergence of the main campus pedestrian walkway (The Ridge Walk) and the athletic complex plaza providing direct access from the campus for pedestrians and bicycles while offering a close vicinity to existing parking lots and the North Campus entrance.

The building design accepts the long,  linear nature of the site and exploits this otherwise difficult configuration as part of the design concept.  The design places a “front porch” along the Ridge Walk to serve as the primary building front linking to the Ridge Walk with a “community stoop”. The inner porch wall is a two-story torqued, folded planar form in a deep red ochre rendered plaster that runs diagonally through the entire length of the building extending out onto the outdoor patio seating areas.   In this way,  the linear open space along the Ridge Walk becomes an active, integral part of the building --- reinforcing the “inside/outside” connection. Large roll-up glass doors open the transparent building to outdoor overlooks to maximize use of the extraordinary climate and views to the foothills and the Pacific Ocean.

Envisioned as a transparent building – the west façade of the project affords views to the ocean but must mitigate the effects of the harsh southwest and west sun.   The Lounge and the Cafe are enclosed with glass,  screened from the elements by a dynamic wood 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.

The Ridge Walk commemorates the original alignment of US Highway 101 as it traversed the site, prior to the establishment of the university in the early 1960s.  The site, at the highest point of the campus, also commemorates the location where campus founder Dr. Roger Revelle brought prospective faculty to convey his excitement and vision. The building defines the terminus of the campus “Wedge” — an open space and view corridor connecting the campus to the ocean and the Salk Institute.

UC San Diego is committed an LEED™ certification for all new buildings.  The program,  siting,  climate and design all contribute to this objective.  The hilltop site,  open to the ocean and foothill breezes, lends itself to natural ventilation.  All spaces are day lighted and materials and systems incorporate significant post-consumer and recycled materials,  including steel,  aluminum,  wood fiber and glass.