A Civic/Institutional Design Award of Excellence recognizes the seismic rehabilitation of York Hall at the University of California San Diego, an iconic 1966 example of “structure as architecture” designed by Donald Neptune and Joseph Thomas. One of UC San Diego’s original buildings, the 122,000-square-foot complex features distinctive fluted concrete colonnade, precast concrete fins, and open, shaded walkways. The building’s defining architectural elements also made it a seismic risk. The project employed a targeted approach to strengthen vulnerable components while preserving significant features. The building was kept operational throughout the renovation, and the team worked closely with the UC Seismic Review Board to develop appropriate retrofit options. Four fluted columns were carefully replaced using custom fiberglass molds informed by classic maritime engineering techniques. Eight hundred and five precast concrete fins, weighing over 500 pounds each, were systematically repaired using a specially created “kit of parts” to address concrete deterioration and steel corrosion. Critical masonry walls were strengthened to meet the University’s seismic performance objectives. 

University of California, San Diego

LPA Design Studios (Architecture, Structural Engineering, MEP Engineering, Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture); Heritage (Historic Consultant); Coffman (Code/Fire Life Safety); MPE (Low Voltage); PCL Construction (General Contractor)