+Architecture/Higher Education

University of California, Irvine

UCI Student Center

Vision

The UCI Mesa Court Community Center Expansion is envisioned as the new heart of the Mesa Court residential community—an inclusive, welcoming space designed to unify the diverse student body and enhance the sense of belonging. As a response to the growing and evolving needs of the campus, the MCCCE transforms the current facilities into a dynamic central hub that supports student life, wellbeing, and identity.

The design embodies four key objectives: creating a central gathering space, strengthening the identity of Mesa Court, promoting a culture of wellbeing, and offering highly adaptable environments. Positioned between Lower and Upper Mesa Court, the building provides strong entry points from both sides, encouraging movement, interaction, and discovery.

Architecturally, the center acts as a symbolic and functional anchor. Warm materials, open circulation, and active outdoor edges—such as a lively dining terrace—foster connection and community. A signature double-height stair/seating area becomes a key social node, blurring interior and exterior experiences.

Based in inclusive and sustainable design principles, the MCCCE prioritizes access, natural light, biophilic integration, and preservation of the landscape. The result is not just a building, but a living, breathing extension of the Mesa Court experience—one that nurtures connection, celebrates diversity, and supports student wellness at every scale.

Project Meta

Client

University of California, Irvine

Size

17,667 SF

Sectors

Higher Education

Expertise

Architecture

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