Last night’s AIA San Diego event held at NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center was a splash (ha, ha). This spectacular architectural project open house was attended by over 150 of San Diego’s A/E/C industry leaders. Situated on the cliffs of La Jolla across from the deep waters of the La Jolla Canyon, it’s a marvel of engineering, architectural design, sustainability and ecological-friendly landscaping.
The new home for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Southwest Fisheries Science Center includes the following: 124,000 square feet, home to seven unique user groups, 275 scientists and staff, 202 parking spaces–but get this: a 528,000-gallon ocean technology development tank. It’s not for pool parties, but for the institute to use to test research equipment and other experiments.
The project spanned nearly ten years, with Gould Evans of Kansas City landing the prestigious project. The landscape architecture was done by San Diego’s own Wimmer Yamada & Caughey. I spoke with Pat Caughey, who was one of our expert guides. He told me that the site has many endangered species that are all native to California. Even the young plantings look terrific and will only improve the site as they mature.
The architects’ concept for the space sprang from the shape and structure of the ocean’s floor. Too, they had to give students and other passersby access from the top of the grade through the property. It’s been a life-long path for people and it’s great they honored that most human of habits, traveling on paths and roads most familiar to us. I could feel the affection from all the creative individuals who designed and built this beautiful, tranquil space.
