The Latitude Dining Commons at UC Davis is a new 500-seat facility with a design inspired by the Central Valley. The space represents the food and farming culture of both the university and the surrounding region.
The building is sited between Tercero residential buildings to the south and future science buildings across Bioletti Way. The design features an exposed structure of glulam beams and cross laminated wood decking, pitched roofs, and simple, functional materials. A light metal clad folded roof, which draws inspiration from a barn roof, floats above large glass walls and extends out to shade entrances and terraces.
Multiple pathways link the sidewalk with the dining and retail entrances and a continuous band of active public terraces shares views with pedestrians and cyclists along Bioletti Way. Tables and chairs, benches, and steps encourage students to gather, eat, or study.
The project includes a full commercial kitchen, provides multiple international food platforms, and has retail grab-n-go and convenience options. A two-level area features front of house public functions (such as dining, servery, queuing, and retail) while a one-level mass includes all back of house functions. Painted steel stairs between the first and second levels stand free in the space that adds to the “see and be seen” dynamic. Also included are loading docks for deliveries, outdoor seating opportunities, circulation, site improvements, and bicycle parking.
HED was the project architect with Otto Construction as the general contractor. The project is targeting LEED Gold certification.
Related Stories
| Mar 12, 2014
14 new ideas for doors and door hardware
From a high-tech classroom lockdown system to an impact-resistant wide-stile door line, BD+C editors present a collection of door and door hardware innovations.
| Feb 25, 2014
Are these really the 'world's most spectacular university buildings'? [slideshow]
Emporis lists its top 13 higher education buildings from around the world. Do you agree with the rankings?
| Feb 24, 2014
First look: UC San Diego opens net-zero biological research lab
The facility is intended to be "the most sustainable laboratory in the world," and incorporates natural ventilation, passive cooling, high-efficiency plumbing, and sustainably harvested wood.
| Feb 14, 2014
Crowdsourced Placemaking: How people will help shape architecture
The rise of mobile devices and social media, coupled with the use of advanced survey tools and interactive mapping apps, has created a powerful conduit through which Building Teams can capture real-time data on the public. For the first time, the masses can have a real say in how the built environment around them is formed—that is, if Building Teams are willing to listen.
| Feb 13, 2014
University officials sound off on net zero energy buildings
As part of its ongoing ZNE buildings research project, Sasaki Associates, in collaboration with Buro Happold, surveyed some 500 campus designers and representatives on the top challenges and opportunities for achieving net-zero energy performance on university and college campuses.
| Feb 4, 2014
World's fifth 'living building' certified at Smith College [slideshow]
The Bechtel Environmental Classroom utilizes solar power, composting toilets, and an energy recovery system, among other sustainable strategies, to meet the rigorous performance requirements of the Living Building Challenge.
| Feb 4, 2014
Must see: Student housing complex made with recycled shipping containers
Architect Christian Salvati's new structure is just the first step in bringing shipping container construction to New Haven, Conn.
| Jan 31, 2014
6 considerations for rehabbing student union buildings
Most colleges and universities feel pressure to offer the latest amenities in order to attract and retain the best and brightest students. While hauling in the bulldozer to create modern facilities is attractive in some regards, deciding to renovate can be just as effective and, in some cases, even preferable to new construction.
| Jan 29, 2014
Notre Dame to expand football stadium in largest project in school history
The $400 million Campus Crossroads Project will add more than 750,000 sf of academic, student life, and athletic space in three new buildings attached to the school's iconic football stadium.
| Jan 28, 2014
16 awe-inspiring interior designs from around the world [slideshow]
The International Interior Design Association released the winners of its 4th Annual Global Excellence Awards. Here's a recap of the winning projects.
