EYRC Architects participated in a design-build competition for UC Irvine's New Mesa Court is envisioned as a living and learning community of the 21st century, a place where students can cultivate a global and civil consciousness while simultaneously developing life skills.
This 200,000 sf space is designed to inspire its 750 inhabitants, engaging their minds and senses while providing them with the comfort and conveniences of a home away from home. Understanding that a freshman's social education is as important as his or her classroom experience, we have embedded opportunities for engagement - with RAs, with faculty and especially with other students - into every aspect of this facility's design.
Taking full advantage of the site's benign climate the complex abounds with indoor-outdoor experiences to deliver the Southern California lifestyle. Visual transparency in the building communicates the energy and life of the students at all hours, and connects students to the activity on Mesa Lawn below.
A 32,000 sf dining hall is located at the base of the building, which is designed with a "platform" style layout that furthers the concept of transparency.