Largest Project In State University History Breaks Ground

The University of California San Diego began construction on the largest capital project in state history, working with Clark Construction, Safdie Rabines Architects, and HKS among a diverse group of consultants and subcontractors on a $600M design-build delivery contract. The groundbreaking ceremony was a key moment for the University and project stakeholders: chancellor Pradeep Kohsler gave the keynote address, highlighting the project as an exemplary model to address a desperate need for housing while securing the college’s place as a world-class institution into the 21st century. 

The project is a mixed-use living and learning neighborhood to house the Sixth College Campus amongst a myriad of other uses; including seven new buildings for a mixed-use living and learning neighborhood with graduate housing, classrooms, auditoriums, office, retail, food market, and arts center. The 10 acre campus will help facilitate a network of multi-mode access and transportation, emphasizing the pedestrian experience and alternative forms of clean transportation.

Andre Gomez, founder of Andre Architecture, attended the groundbreaking ceremony as an Associate of Safdie Rabines Architects. Andre played a pivotal role in the project since its inception in 2016, helping to secure the commission through a competitive design competition and subsequently managing the new Social Sciences and Art Humanities building along the eastern edge of the development. Andre’s ability to develop a coordinated design with the Detailed Project Program requirements under a condensed, 10-week timeframe was key to demonstrating the team’s understanding of the client’s complex program while simultaneously assisting the contractor with accurate information for bidding and logistics.