2023 Northern California Best Projects
Award of Merit - Higher Education/Research: University of California, Davis Teaching and Learning Complex
Photo BY Emily Hagopian Photography
University of California, Davis Teaching and Learning Complex
Davis, Calif.
Award of Merit
Submitted by: DPR Construction
Owner: University of California, Davis
Lead Design Firm: SmithGroup
General Contractor: DPR Construction
Civil Engineer: BKF Engineers
Structural Engineer: Forell | Elsesser Engineers
MEP Engineer: Airco Mechanical
Electrical Engineer: ECOM Engineering
Landscape Designer: Lutsko Associates
Designed as a transformational teaching space, this project features a four-story, 100,000-sq-ft classroom building equipped with an auditorium, two lecture halls and classrooms of various sizes. A writing center and technology support services span the fourth floor.
The design-build team created efficiencies across the entire project, increasing student study space by 70% over what was included in the criteria, part of an overall increase of 10% in assignable square footage in the building. Downsizing MEP systems, for example, made it possible to double the size of student collaboration and touchdown areas.
Sustainable design innovations allowed for more interior learning space than the client anticipated. Simple organization and a highly energy-efficient envelope, massing and circulation contributed toward having the funds to build extra space to support student needs.
To tie in with the university’s goal of being a steward of sustainability, the project team used radiant ceiling panels and displacement ventilation as well as an enhanced building envelope that limits thermal bridging, resulting in increased building performance. The project surpassed its contractual requirement of LEED Silver certification to achieve LEED Gold.
Crews navigated a range of challenges, including health and safety shutdowns due to wildfire smoke, cement shortages and delayed delivery technology items during the project’s final phases. The team delivered the project on budget and ahead of schedule in October 2022.
