UCLA's Court of Sciences: A Synthesis of History, Architecture, and Innovation

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life, boasts a rich architectural tapestry that reflects its evolving identity and commitment to innovation. From its iconic Romanesque Revival structures to its modern, sustainable designs, UCLA's campus showcases a blend of historical significance and forward-thinking vision. This article explores the architectural landscape of UCLA's Court of Sciences, highlighting key buildings, historical influences, and the integration of cutting-edge research facilities like the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI).

A Historical Overview of UCLA's Architecture

UCLA's architectural journey began in 1929 when the campus officially opened on its Westwood location, transitioning from its initial site on Vermont Avenue. The original quartet of buildings - Royce Hall, the College Library (now Powell Library), the Chemistry Building (now Haines Hall), and the Physics and Biology Building (now Kaplan Hall) - established the campus's signature Romanesque style. These early structures, designed under the supervision of architect George W. Kelham, set the tone for UCLA's aesthetic identity.

Influences and Evolution

The architectural direction of UCLA shifted towards Modernism after World War II. In 1948, Wurdeman and Becket, a seminal Modernist architectural firm, took over as supervising architects. Welton Becket and Associates continued after Wurdeman’s death. The first major Modern building on campus was Schoenberg Hall at the Herb Alpert School of Music (1955), now known as Schoenberg Hall.

The campus saw further architectural evolution in the following decades:

Contemporary Ranch Style: The completion of the UCLA Faculty Center in 1959 introduced a different flavor of modern architecture: the Contemporary Ranch house.
Modern High-Rise: 1964 saw the construction of UCLA’s first major Modern high-rise, Bunche Hall. Designed by Maynard Lyndon, this twelve-story Social Sciences building stands on two-story-high concrete pillars to facilitate foot traffic between the north and central parts of campus.
Postmodernism: In the early ‘70s, a postmodernist period began, with architects aiming to break away from the gridlike appearance of modernist architecture and return to ornamentation and attention to small details.

Key Architectural Elements

Several architectural elements define UCLA's unique character:

Windows: The age of a building can often be determined by its windows. The oldest buildings feature stained, rounded windows, while Kerckhoff Hall showcases pointed windows reminiscent of Gothic architecture.
Brick and Concrete: A unifying theme throughout the campus is the use of brick and concrete masonry blocks, creating a cohesive aesthetic.

The Court of Sciences: A Hub of Innovation

The Court of Sciences stands as a central area within UCLA's campus, housing numerous science and research facilities. This area has witnessed significant architectural developments, particularly with the addition of modern structures designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

Court of Sciences Student Center

The Court of Sciences Student Center provides a space for students to eat, study, and socialize. Opened in 1974-1975 as the “Bombshelter Deli and Burger Bar,” it was one of the first eateries on the south side of campus. The name “The Bombshelter” is thought to have originated from the architectural style of the concrete walls. In 2010, it underwent a two-year construction, later reopening under its current name.

The California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI): A Case Study in Innovative Design

The California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI) exemplifies UCLA's commitment to cutting-edge research and architectural innovation. Designed by Rafael Viñoly, the CNSI building addresses the challenges of a complex site and the unique needs of nanotechnology research.

Site and Design Challenges

The CNSI building is situated on a challenging site that slopes steeply from the Court of Sciences towards the west. An existing six-level parking structure is built into the slope directly behind the site. Furthermore, UCLA's high density, with the smallest land area (419 acres) and the most built square footage (24 million) among the University of California campuses, necessitates creative infill solutions.

Viñoly's Solution: Horizontal Collaboration Through Vertical Gymnastics

Rafael Viñoly's design for the CNSI building is an inventive solution to these challenges. The building, covering 189,000 square feet with construction costs of $103 million, integrates the need for extensive laboratory space with the desire for collaborative environments.

Read also: Navigating Tech Breadth at UCLA

Viñoly's strategy involved:

Maximizing Space: Building three floors over part of the existing parking facility to maximize the building’s potential.
Horizontal Layout: Creating an open horizontal form to encourage chance encounters and collaboration among scientists.
Suspended Structure: Suspending a three-story lab wing over the parking structure, connected to the main building by crisscrossing ramps.

This design results in a building that is roughly three times as wide in the air as where it meets the ground, creating a dramatic, bottomless courtyard.

Architectural Features and Metaphors

The CNSI building's design incorporates several notable features:

Hanging Ramps: The crisscrossing ramps serve as a metaphor for connection, fostering interaction among researchers from various disciplines.
Open Courtyard: The central courtyard provides opportunities for chance meetings and spontaneous exchange of ideas.
Potential for Expansion: The design allows for future expansion by adding additional three-story lab wings over the parking garage.

The CNSI building's architecture reflects the institutional goals of fostering innovation in scientific research by bringing together researchers and pairing academia with industry. The hanging ramps and open courtyard make these abstract goals architecturally tangible.

Other Notable Buildings in the Court of Sciences

Geffen Hall

Geffen Hall, the new home of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, exemplifies creative infill construction. Once a small traffic circle, the site is now a warm and inviting connection between campus and city. The building features classrooms, studios, and problem-based learning rooms that circle and overlook an open courtyard.

Read also: Understanding UCLA Counselors

Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center

The Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center features terracotta tile arranged at varying angles, echoing the look of Royce Hall and Powell Library. The center's two pavilions are designed to elevate every step of the musical process, with state-of-the-art technology and new collaboration space.

Sustainability and Modernization

UCLA has undergone a significant transformation with a focus on collaboration, rejuvenation, and sustainability. The campus has implemented numerous projects aimed at modernizing facilities and promoting environmentally friendly practices.

Sustainable Initiatives

Several buildings on campus incorporate sustainable features:

Luskin Conference Center: Designed to be environmentally sustainable, featuring high-efficiency sinks, showers, and toilets, LED lighting, occupancy sensors, natural ventilation, and insulated windows.
Bruin Plate: One of only three university facilities in the country to be designated a 4-star Certified Green Restaurant, based on its sustainable energy, recycling, and locally sourced food.

Residential Community Transformation

UCLA's residential community has also undergone a transformation, with renovations to Hitch and Saxon suites and the addition of cuisine- and culture-oriented restaurants.

Hidden Stories and Historical Anecdotes

UCLA's buildings hold numerous hidden stories and historical anecdotes that add to their charm and significance:

Royce Hall: Named in honor of California-born philosopher Josiah Royce, known for its legendary acoustics.
Powell Library: In 1949, a grad student attempted to steal a valuable book but was caught by UCLA police. Author Ray Bradbury worked on an early draft of Fahrenheit 451 in Powell in the late 1940s and early 1950s.
Kerckhoff Hall: Named after William G. Kerckhoff, who helped bring electricity to California. The former student union building now houses ASUCLA clubs and student government offices.
Hershey Hall: Philanthropist Almira Hershey left funds to build the first on-campus residence hall for women.
Bunche Hall: Nicknamed “The Waffle” for its rectangular shape and windows.
Pauley Pavilion: Named for Edwin W. Pauley, has hosted countless NCAA champion teams, award shows, concerts, and a presidential debate.

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