University of California, Santa Barbara East Side Area Plan

The East Side Area Plan was the first project completed by JKA (at the time doing business as Urban Studio). The Plan establishes an organizing design vision and guidelines for the evolution of the central area of the rapidly expanding University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB). The goals that emerged over a nine month planning process were to integrate the spectacular views of the surrounding natural scenery into the heart of a growing campus, realize a more pedestrian and bike friendly setting as projects were implemented one by one, and establish an intensified central campus that was logically connected to less dense and natural surroundings.

To establish a hierarchy of connected outdoor rooms and pathways which open onto the surrounding landscape, major improvements to the existing open space network were proposed with each space framed and contained by new campus construction. Specific open spaces are related to academic disciplinary clusters and existing landmarks such as the main campus library. Conceptual design of key outdoor areas was undertaken to create a sense of distinct identity for the sciences. Likewise, a “hall” of local Monterey Cypress to the west of the central library were proposed to create both a distinct look and atmosphere connected to the greater landscape while delineating a unique campus gathering place.

The introduction of an underground building program for secondary functions is also proposed to efficiently utilize available land. To ensure that open space opportunities are conserved during the Plan’s 20-year horizon, specific building placement and envelope standards were proposed to reserve opportunities for both new buildings and the desired open spaces.

Consultants
William Block: Architectural Illustration