A Civic/Institutional Design Citation of Merit is awarded to the restoration of the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Building at the University of California, San Diego, designed by architect Richard George Wheeler in 1970. As a key structure within the Muir College campus, renowned for its concentration of Brutalist buildings, the HSS Building embodies the campus’ aesthetic unity and distinct sense of place. Faced with severe deterioration of the original precast concrete façade due to coastal exposure and systemic material flaws, UC San Diego undertook a comprehensive façade replacement project in 2020. This effort involved the reproduction of the original concrete panels, ensuring visual consistency with the historic design while meeting contemporary performance standards, following rigorous regulatory approvals, and adhering to the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Completed in just 16 months, the project demonstrates how material replacement can effectively address critical structural issues without compromising architectural integrity. 

University of California, San Diego

University of California, San Diego: Elisa Pittner, Brad Phipps (Owner); Moore Ruble Yudell: Neal Matsuno, Jeanne Chen, Adam Padua, Martin Saavedra, Laurie Groehler, Nozumu Sugawara (Executive Architect); Architectural Resources Group: Katie Horak, Lindsey Miller, Sarah Devan (Historic Architect); Coffman Engineers, Inc: Mike West, Paul Stuart, Rae Ferriolo, Laura Zuill, Jon Arenz (Structural, MEP, Civil Engineering); Simpson Gumpertz & Heger: Amy Hackney, Mike Huhtala (Waterproofing Consultant); LandLab: Neil Hadley, Emily Gehle (Landscape Architect); Jensen Hughes, Will Fletcher (Fire/Life Safety); Rudolph and Sletten: Andy Rogers, Dave Jesme, Syed Shah (General Contractor), Doug Ogie; Willis Construction: Larry Willis, Mark Hildebrand (Precast Manufacturer)