How UC Law San Francisco's Quad and Roof Terrace Reinvents Urban Outdoor Spaces
The University of California College of the Law, San Francisco has unveiled a new extension building designed by SOM. This project includes a beautiful new quad situated between the original building and the extension, as well as a roof terrace and balconies designed by Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture. These outdoor spaces are enhanced with planters and benches by Tournesol, creating bright, airy areas where students and faculty can recharge in the heart of downtown San Francisco.
The quad and roof terraces are designed to offer a variety of seating and tables, including bar-top style seating areas for study and breaks, a fire pit, and colorful furniture. The spaces feature succulent, drought-tolerant plantings, precast concrete planters, artificial grass, and a generally clean, open design. These elements combine to create a welcoming environment perfect for both socializing and focused study.
Exposure to outdoor environments is known to improve health and boost creativity. This is especially beneficial in a bustling urban setting where indoor spaces often dominate. The UC Law San Francisco quad and roof terrace provide ample sunlight and diverse amenities, making them perfect spots for students and faculty to relax, study, and socialize.
"Nature is not a place to visit. It is home." - Gary Snyder
Embracing Urban Outdoor Spaces
UC Law San Francisco's new quad and roof terrace are a testament to the potential of urban outdoor spaces. These areas are not just aesthetically pleasing; they serve a crucial function by providing a healthy, inspiring environment for students and faculty.
Succulent Plantings: These drought-tolerant plants are not only eco-friendly but also add a touch of green to the urban landscape.
Precast Concrete Planters: Durable and stylish, these planters define the spaces and house the lush plantings.
Artificial Grass: Maintains a fresh look year-round without the need for constant maintenance.
Colorful Furniture: Adds vibrancy and invites people to sit and relax.
Fire Pit and Bar-Top Seating: Encourages social interaction and provides versatile spaces for various activities.
Enhancing Student Life
The design of the UC Law San Francisco quad and roof terrace not only brings aesthetic value but also significantly enhances student life. These outdoor spaces provide a much-needed break from the confines of indoor study environments, offering a refreshing change that can improve mood and productivity.
Benefits of Outdoor Spaces:
Natural Light: Exposure to natural light is linked to improved mental health and energy levels.
Fresh Air: Being outdoors can boost cognitive function and concentration.
Versatile Spaces: The mix of seating options and amenities caters to different needs, from quiet study sessions to lively social gatherings.
Key Design Elements
The thoughtful design elements incorporated by Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture and Tournesol play a crucial role in the appeal of these spaces.
Design Highlights:
Seating Varieties: From benches to bar-top seating, there's something for everyone.
Flexible Use: The spaces can be used for studying, socializing, or simply relaxing.
Aesthetic Harmony: The design elements work together to create a cohesive and inviting environment.
Real-Life Usage
The quad and roof terrace are not just about design; they are about how they are used. During my visit, I observed students and faculty making the most of these spaces, whether it was for a quick break, a group discussion, or a solo study session. The presence of these outdoor areas within an urban campus underscores the importance of integrating nature into educational environments.
Group Study: Students gather around tables and use the outdoor spaces for collaborative work.
Solo Breaks: Individuals find quiet corners to relax and recharge.
Social Events: The terrace and quad provide a perfect setting for informal social events and gatherings.
The Impact of Design on Well-being
The integration of the quad and roof terrace at UC Law San Francisco is a perfect example of how thoughtful design can positively impact well-being. These spaces are designed not just for aesthetics but to enhance the overall experience of students and faculty.
Health and Creativity Boost:
Sunlight Exposure: Regular exposure to sunlight can enhance mood and energy levels, which is crucial for students and faculty who spend long hours indoors.
Green Spaces: The presence of plants and green spaces has been shown to reduce stress and increase feelings of well-being.
Unique Design Approaches
Fire Pit: The fire pit is an unconventional addition in a school setting that encourages social interaction and offers a cozy atmosphere for evening gatherings.
Artificial Grass: Unlike traditional lawns, artificial grass requires less maintenance and remains green and inviting throughout the year.
My Approach to Photographing the Quad and Roof Terrace
Arriving at the location around midday, I spent considerable time scouting for the best angles and compositions. The softer afternoon and golden hour light later in the day provided optimal conditions for capturing the beauty of these spaces.
Re-staging furniture was necessary to ensure the best compositions, and the presence of students and faculty added a dynamic element to the photos, emphasizing how the spaces are utilized.
I noticed how the interval between classes made the quad an outdoor corridor for students and staff to move from one building to the other, and I made sure to capture some shots showing this movement of people through the quad.
Parting Thoughts
UC Law San Francisco's quad and roof terrace are more than just outdoor spaces; they are vibrant hubs that foster community, enhance well-being, and provide a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life. By incorporating elements like succulent plantings, precast concrete planters, and colorful furniture, these spaces redefine what it means to have an urban outdoor area.
The combination of thoughtful design and practical functionality makes these spaces stand out. They offer a perfect balance between beauty and utility, making them invaluable assets to the campus. Whether for studying, socializing, or simply taking a break, the quad and roof terrace at UC Law San Francisco are exemplary models of how outdoor spaces should be designed and utilized.
Key Takeaways
UC Law San Francisco's quad and roof terrace were designed by SOM and Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture, featuring planters and benches by Tournesol.
These spaces provide bright, airy outdoor areas for students and faculty to relax, study, and socialize.
Key design elements include succulent, drought-tolerant plantings, precast concrete planters, artificial grass, colorful furniture, and a fire pit.
The quad and roof terrace are designed to enhance well-being by offering exposure to natural light and green spaces.
The outdoor areas are versatile, catering to different activities like group study, solo breaks, and social events.
Thoughtful design positively impacts health and creativity, providing a refreshing change from indoor environments.
Unique features like the fire pit and bar-top seating areas add functionality and encourage social interaction.
The spaces exemplify how urban outdoor areas can balance beauty and utility, making them valuable assets to the campus.