San Diego: Safdie Rabines Architects has been selected by University of California San Diego as Executive Architect for the Southwest Fisheries Science Center Renovation at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO). The San Diego-based firm will oversee design, program planning, budget and construction administration of the four-story structure, managing its transformation into modernized facilities supporting SIO’s educational and research programs while maximizing its coastal location. The project is scheduled for completion in Fall, 2018.
Originally constructed in the 1960’s, the building is the single remaining structure of an original complex of four designed by renowned San Diego firm Frank L. Hope and Associates. The other three buildings were razed and the hillside reinforced in 2014. “We are thrilled for this opportunity to revitalize the functionality and aesthetic qualities of the existing Southwest Fisheries structure,” said firm co-founder and principal Ricardo Rabines. “This renovation provides an exciting and multi-faceted challenge to improve laboratory proficiency and safety, integrate modernized sustainability and energy efficiency and preserve the historical integrity of the site, while capitalizing on its fresh air flow and endless ocean views.”
“We are always excited to support SIO’s dynamic program while contributing to UC San Diego’s overall educational goals,” added Taal Safdie, AIA, firm-co founder and principal. “In this case, the successful design requires a thorough understanding of the complex programmatic requirements of research and educational spaces, balanced with a sensitivity to working within a geographically rich site. While laboratories have very specific technical requirements, they are fundamentally places for people to work and learn. This renovation will address programmatic needs and provide a thoughtful interface with the surrounding context, while offering a unique and inspirational space for research and learning.”
A department of UC San Diego, Scripps Institution of Oceanography is one of the oldest, largest and most important centers for ocean, earth and atmospheric science research, education and public service to the world. SIO undergraduate and graduate programs provide transformative educational and research opportunities in ocean, earth and atmospheric sciences, as well as degrees in climate science and policy and marine biodiversity and conservation.
About Safdie Rabines Architects
Founded in 1993 by Ricardo Rabines and Taal Safdie, Safdie Rabines Architects is a multi-disciplined, sustainably minded and service-oriented architecture, interiors, urban design and planning firm. Based in San Diego, CA, Safdie Rabines works globally to create humanistic, site-specific solutions that fulfill the needs of their users. The firm’s previous work on the UCSD campus include such award-winning projects as Eleanor Roosevelt College, SIO Lifeguard Tower, Structural and Materials Engineering Building (in collaboration with the Miller Hull Partnership) and the Robert Paine Scripps Forum. Currently the firm is working on Lusail Pedestrian Bridges in Doha, Quatar, the Imperial County Criminal Courthouse, the new Sellwood Bridge in Portland, Oregon, numerous mixed-use, commercial and multi-family residential projects in North City, San Diego, as well as multiple private residences throughout Southern California.