Seattle-based studio LMN Architects has created a university building in Santa Barbara, California, with two separate volumes connected by a series of walkways clad in perforated aluminium. The building, called the Interactive Learning Pavilion, is the first one to be built on the University of California Santa Barbara’s campus in more than 50 years.
A connector between different parts of the campus
The Interactive Learning Pavilion was designed to be a connector between different parts of the campus, in line with the Long Range Development Plan. It consists of two buildings facing one another to create an open-air causeway or “paseo”, lined on either side with ramps and terraces. According to LMN partner Stephen Van Dyck, the pavilion was created to be a contemporary reimagination of vernacular courtyards, terraces, and paseos. “The building represents both an advancement of this master plan vision as well as a contemporary reimagination of vernacular courtyards, terraces, and paseos,” said Van Dyck.
A contrast between the outward and inward facades
The facades of the building were informed by the geology of the area, specifically the “Southern California seaside context” according to LMN. The outward-facing facade is covered in smooth grey concrete panels and windows that create a “taut” effect, while the inward-facing facades have a “loose, organic formal language”. Layers of different shades of brick line the four-story structure’s two volumes, with curving walls, bridges, ramps and terraces, creating a canyon-like effect. “The resulting formal and material qualities of these spaces take inspiration from the local vernacular architecture and the adjacent seaside cliffs, recalling the sedimentary sandstone in its curvilinear, polished concrete block walls,” said the studio.
A variety of learning spaces with natural light and ventilation
The open-air interior causeway and stratified facade allow for generous light in the educational spaces and provide for the easy outdoor and indoor circulation of students between the spaces. The program includes three lecture halls, each on the ground floor, with one in the smaller volume and two in the longer one. Two of the lecture halls are double-height, while the remainder of the second- and third-storey spaces were filled with study halls and smaller classrooms. Interior colour palates for the classrooms were also also informed by geography, with the pigments of the Channel Islands replicated in colour blocks of the otherwise neutral interiors.
A sustainable design with passive and active systems
The building was designed with sustainability in mind, incorporating passive and active systems to reduce its environmental impact. The perforated aluminium walkways act as sunshades and rain screens, while also creating a dynamic play of light and shadow throughout the day. The building also features natural ventilation, solar panels, low-flow fixtures, LED lighting, and recycled materials. The project is expected to achieve LEED Gold certification.
A collaborative project with local partners
The Interactive Learning Pavilion was a collaborative project between LMN Architects and several local partners, including Kitchell as general contractor, KPFF as structural engineer, Stantec as MEP engineer, Brightworks as sustainability consultant, Rios Clementi Hale Studios as landscape architect, and LAM Partners as lighting designer. The project was completed in 2023 and has a total area of 67,000 square feet.
