Kevin deFreitas Architects

Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD

Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
© Darren Bradley

SMALL BRIDGES AT WARREN COLLEGE UCSD

Kevin DeFreitas Architects

ARCHITECTS
Kevin DeFreitas Architects

YEAR
2016

PHOTOGRAPHS
Darren Bradley

MANUFACTURERS
C.R. Laurence, Hess Lighting, Tucci Umbrella

LOCATION
San Diego, United States

Text description provided by architect.

As a counterpoint to the boxy, beige, and boring six story structure they serve, the replacement bridges and associated landscaped courtyard were reimagined to address the shortcomings of the original tired design.

Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
© Darren Bradley
Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
© Darren Bradley

Specifically the physical constriction (only 7′-4″ of clearance beneath the bottom bridge), lack of identity, non-existent exterior social spaces, and very poor nighttime lighting a significant safety issue for students coming home at night.

So when a stack of concrete bridges spanning over the main pedestrian/bike path connecting this residence hall to the main campus became structurally compromised.

Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
© Darren Bradley
Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
© Darren Bradley
Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
© Darren Bradley

Douglas Hall and its 3 identical sister buildings at UC San Diego epitomize the repetitive, institutional, and aging soulless student housing found on many university campus’ that simply lack any “there”, there.

The first move was to literally and figuratively open things up and improve sight lines.

The University seized the opportunity to implement this modest initial refresh as a test case for some exciting new ideas to be implemented as part of the entire Warren College residential neighborhood update already on the books.

Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
© Darren Bradley
Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
© Darren Bradley
Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
© Darren Bradley

A vibrant yellow double height portal was created by eliminating the bottom bridge altogether and adding a new access stair. To establish identity, the res hall’s namesake (Supreme Court Justice John Douglas) was perforated into the portal side wall along with one of his inspirational quotes.

Speaking to the dynamic and diverse youth culture on campus, the design language is intentionally modern, engaging, and transparent.

Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
© Darren Bradley
Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
© Darren Bradley

Once sketchy and foreboding after dark, the bridges, path, and courtyard are completely transformed by an integrated and thoughtful lighting design into something quite extraordinary once the sun sets. 

A crisp white metal skin, and individual seats added to each level encourage residents to stop for a moment in transit to enjoy the views or a conversation.

Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
© Darren Bradley
Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
© Darren Bradley

Place-making is addressed in a material palette that includes natural Ipe wood decking, colorfully abstract glass guardrails.Douglas Hall is now easily distinguishable from its 3 drab neighbors.


Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
Elevation
Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
Diagram


Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
Ground Floor Plan
Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
Details
Small Bridges at Warren College UCSD
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Kevin deFreitas Architects
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Kevin deFreitas Architects