A gateway to campus innovation—where design, entrepreneurship, and research converge.
The Design + Innovation Building at UC San Diego is a multidisciplinary academic hub designed to foster collaboration across design, engineering, the arts, and entrepreneurism. Located in La Jolla, California, this 72,969-square-foot, ground-up facility establishes a dynamic new arrival point for the campus, positioned adjacent to the new Pepper Canyon Light Rail Transit Station.
EHDD provided architectural and interior design services for this forward-looking project. The building houses flexible instructional and research space, including dedicated offices for faculty and graduate students, a mix of open and enclosed collaboration zones, and an expansive suite of prototyping labs and fabrication shops. These hands-on resources support both teaching and experimentation—embedding a culture of making and iterative innovation at the heart of campus life.
A prominent ground-floor restaurant and event venue activate the building’s public edge, anchoring it as a campus gateway and destination. The project also includes outdoor gathering areas and is designed to foster partnerships with private industry—strengthening UCSD’s role as a center for applied research and entrepreneurship.
Certified LEED Gold, the building’s expressive architecture reflects UCSD’s tradition of bold, modern design while communicating the energy and creativity of the work within.