photo series captures muir college's raw concrete geometric volumes in new light

Muir College unfolds as a Brutalist maze amongst towering trees

Muir College at UC San Diego, founded in 1967 and named after naturalist John Muir, exemplifies brutalist architecture within a unique natural setting. The campus, initially envisioned by architects Robert Alexander and A. Quincy Jones, was further developed by executive architect Robert Mosher, who drew inspiration from Yosemite National Park to create a distinctive design where concrete structures integrate with the surrounding landscape.

Key buildings such as Tioga and Tenaya Halls showcase the bold forms typical of brutalism, characterized by their raw concrete surfaces and geometric shapes. The campus is a seamless interplay between architecture and nature, where dense concrete volumes contrast with the verticality of trees, creating a dynamic relationship between built and natural environments.

Breezeway between Bonner and Mayer Halls | all images by Marco Petrini

the design blends monumental brutalist qualities with nature

The design merges the monumental qualities of brutalist architecture with a sense of immersion in nature, positioning Muir College as a notable example of brutalist architecture. The interaction between sunlight and the warm tones of the concrete further enhances the visual experience, adding depth and warmth to the stark materials. Muir College remains a significant architectural landmark that continues to reflect the broader aesthetic and environmental considerations of its time. The project was recently captured by architectural photographer Marco Petrini. 

Breezeway between Bonner and Mayer Halls

Geisel Library

Departments of History and Philosophy

McGILL HALL, Department of Psychology

Applied Physics and Mathematics Building

Applied Physics and Mathematics Building

York Hall

Galbraith Hall

Departments of History and Philosophy

Biomedical Sciences Building

project info:

name: UC San Diego Muir College Campus
executive architect: Robert Mosher

initial concept: Robert Alexander, A. Quincy Jones

location: UC San Diego, US

photography: Marco Petrini | @petrinistudio

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom