university research facility expands under floating asymmetrical pitched roof in california

New University of California Collaboration Center

DIALOG design practice revamps an underutilized three-building complex into the University of California Livermore Collaboration Center (UCLCC). The project involves modernizing the original structure with the primary focus on preserving the pitched roof and the central courtyard built in the 1950s to house a university-level educational facility at the Livermore National Lab site. The Lawrence Livermore National Lab complex comprises a 1-mile by 1-mile block of a gated, highly secured research facility. The UC Livermore Collaboration Center aims to be the hub for expanding collaborations and partnerships between UC, three national laboratories, and other institutions. The design plan opts to give a new breadth to the existing structure accommodating a flexible program within a limited budget.

The collaboration center houses classrooms and lab spaces of different sizes that can easily be reconfigured for various uses. The new design concept intends to revitalize the original architecture, which expands a prominent asymmetrical pitched roof with an extensive overhang. The covering is highlighted in a light color, while the exterior walls are formed as black boxes serving as the shadow of the roof and accentuating the floating effect.

all images courtesy of DIALOG

black monotone exterior covered by bright large overhangs

‘The overarching project ethos places an emphasis on evoking curiosity and discovery’, shares the design team at DIALOG. ‘Drawing from the breadth of the invention the lab provides, the project develops, like science, as a journey exploring the unknown’.

The black monotone exterior contrasts the different colors distributed in the interior of each space. The design encourages visitors or users to explore the seemingly mundane blank black boxes from the outside to discover the different elements and colors throughout various zones. The black boxes form as a blank canvas to display research and simulation works from the lab. The walls around the courtyard become the main gallery to display simulation work. The courtyard forms a resting point for students and visitors holding semi-outdoor gathering events.

‘The operation of the UC Livermore Collaboration Center embodies the university’s core mission of public service, research excellence, and integrity and commitment to education. Modernizing these facilities at the Livermore Lab will contribute to the future health and scientific vitality of these national resources’, comments UC President Michael Drake (see more here).

the project revitalizes the original architecture expanding a prominent pitched roof

the asymmetrical pitched roof and extensive overhangs are the main features of the structure

the open-air courtyard forms a resting point for students and visitors holding several outdoor events

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project info:

name: University of California Livermore Collaboration Center (UCLCC)
designer: DIALOG | @dialogdesign

location: California, US

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom