UC athletics sought to create a strong identity for its home by locating its offices in the heart of the Varsity village, a complex comprising the university's main sports facilities. Wedged between the football stadium, student recreation center and basketball arena, the building's curvilinear form evolved from the complexity of its site. The strong, diagonal geometry of the façade expresses its underlying diagrid exoskeleton, the structural frame required to bridge over 140 feet between columns and span an existing mechanical room, locker room and loading dock.
A skylighted, five story atrium houses the university's athletic museum and brings natural light deep into the building. A suspended, three story glass trophy case at once emphasizes the achievements of the athletic programs and the height of the atrium. Glass elevators and a continuous monumental stair further reinforce the atrium's inherent drama.
In addition to the museum and administrative spaces, there are locker rooms, training spaces and a practice gymnasium below grade as well as student health services, a state of the art auditorium and faculty club with dining room overlooking the football stadium.
