Digital Arts Facility

University of California, Santa Cruz, California

The 42,000 square foot Digital Arts Research Center houses the new Digital Arts/New Media program, as well as portions of the existing departments of music, visual arts, and theater. Capitalizing on the unique qualities of it natural setting and central location within the arts complex, this building knits the arts and theater complexes above with the music center below. A new bridge leads from above, through a grove of mature live oaks, then through the building to a dramatic deck overlooking the Pacific Ocean, available as a gathering space for all arts students.

Working with the many departments housed in the new Research Center, the building is designed with flexibility in mind, its modular plan and exposed systems allowing for easy modifications as the mix of departments and their needs evolve over time.

Sustainable features incorporated into the project include: deep sun shading and high performance glazing, water-reduction strategies in both landscape and building, and low-albedo roofing.