UCLA Life Sciences Buildings: A Blend of History, Architecture, and Modern Research
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus is a vibrant tapestry woven from diverse architectural styles, reflecting its evolution since its move to Westwood in 1929. From the Romanesque Revival of Royce Hall to the modern designs of newer facilities, the buildings narrate a story of growth, adaptation, and innovation. This article explores the architectural history of UCLA's life sciences buildings, highlighting key structures and their unique characteristics.
The Early Years: Establishing a Foundation
UCLA's original quartet of buildings - Royce Hall, the College Library (now Powell Library), the Chemistry Building, and the Physics and Biology Building - laid the foundation for the campus's architectural identity. These early structures, built on what was then a barren desert, established a sense of place and purpose.
Distinguishing Features of Early Architecture
Gurval notes that windows can be used to date a building. The oldest buildings feature stained, rounded windows. Kerckhoff Hall, with its pointed windows reminiscent of Gothic architecture, exemplifies this early style.
Post-War Modernism and Expansion
The surge in student enrollment following the GI Bill after World War II spurred a wave of construction on campus. This era saw the rise of modernist architecture, characterized by minimalism and functionality.
Bunche Hall: A Modernist Icon
Constructed in 1964, Bunche Hall stands as a prime example of modernist design. Its rectangular shape, windows, and supporting columns reflect the architectural trends of the time. Its nickname, "The Waffle," alludes to its distinct design.
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The Molecular Sciences Building: Form Follows Function
Designed by collaborative architects Bob Anshen and Steve Allen in 1994, the Molecular Sciences Building embodies the concept of "form following function." Its modern exterior, featuring various concrete textures, blue windows, and creative uses of space, reflects its purpose as a futuristic, science-oriented facility. Air supply ducts around the exterior help with the ventilation throughout the labs. The building is split into two main wings, connected at the corner by a concrete spiral staircase.
Breaking the Mold: Postmodernism and Beyond
The early 1970s ushered in a postmodernist era that rejected the starkness of modernism in favor of ornamentation and attention to detail. This shift is evident in later additions to the campus.
The California NanoSystems Institute: Overcoming Obstacles
Faced with the challenge of an existing parking structure, architect Rafael Viñoly ingeniously incorporated staircases and bridges to connect the different lab areas within the California NanoSystems Institute. The building's metal and glass facade, accented with brick, blends seamlessly with its neighbors in the Court of Sciences, such as La Kretz Hall and Young Hall.
La Kretz Botany Building: A Modern Transformation
The La Kretz Botany Building, originally designed in the 1950s by architect Paul Revere Williams, underwent a significant renovation to meet the demands of modern research and teaching. CO Architects reimagined the space, enhancing building transparency, providing views, and adding a new accessible entrance to the adjacent Botanical Garden.
Sustainable Design and Functionality
The renovated La Kretz Botany Building houses flexible laboratories, offices, conference rooms, and classrooms. The project achieved LEED Platinum certification, reflecting a commitment to sustainable design. Victoria Sork, Life Sciences Division Dean and Professor at UCLA, praised CO Architects for their visionary work in transforming the mid-century building into state-of-the-art laboratories and teaching facilities.
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The Court of Sciences Student Center: A Hub for Community
The Court of Sciences Student Center, formerly known as "The Bombshelter," provides a central gathering place for students. Opened in 1974-1975, the original eatery underwent a two-year renovation in 2010, reopening with a new name and updated facilities.
A Welcoming Environment
The student center features numerous entrances, diverse eateries, and both indoor and outdoor seating areas. The plant-covered awning shields the outdoor seating from the sun, while the warm-colored lighting creates an ambient environment indoors for students to eat, study, and socialize.
Architectural Details and Hidden Stories
UCLA's buildings are filled with architectural details and hidden stories that add to their character and charm.
Young Hall: Chemistry and Legend
Young Hall, home to UCLA's chemistry and biochemistry departments, is known for the legend that walking between its tall pillars affects a student's grades.
Boelter Hall: A Pioneer of the Internet
Boelter Hall, built in 1959, holds a special place in internet history as the site of the first message ever sent over the internet. During the 2011 renovations, the architect paid tribute to this history by spelling out "Lo and Behold" in binary code on the tile floor.
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Kinsey Pavilion: From Humanities to Physics
Originally part of the Humanities Building (Kinsey Hall), Kinsey Pavilion now houses physics rooms and is named after Edgar Lee Kinsey, a physics professor who taught at UCLA from 1928 to 1961.
The Broad Art Center: Sustainable Design and Art
The Broad Art Center, rebuilt after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, exemplifies sustainable architecture. It utilizes natural daylight and ventilation and incorporates the building's original concrete structure. The center's exterior features a site-specific sculpture by Richard Serra.
A Campus in Constant Evolution
UCLA's campus is constantly evolving, with ongoing construction and renovation projects. This continuous process ensures that the university's facilities remain modern, functional, and aesthetically pleasing.
The Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center: Blending Modern and Traditional
Designed by Kevin Daly, the Evelyn and Mo Ostin Music Center incorporates the same color bricks found on buildings such as Powell Library and Royce Hall, but uses terracotta instead. Daly's goal was to merge the modern architecture of Franz Hall with the Romanesque style of Royce Quad.
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