The University of California Merced was the first major American research university built in the 21st Century. SOM's master plan and accompanying architectural guidelines have helped the campus become a model for sustainable growth, establishing energy-use thresholds for the grounds and buildings that exceed codes by 20-to-50 percent. The plan shows how campus population increases can be accommodated while preserving the agricultural and environmental basis of the region's economy and ecosystem.

Project Facts

Completion Year: 2002
Site Area: 2,000 acres

Project Awards

2009 • Chicago Athenaeum • Green Good Design Award
2006 • SCUP/AIA-CAE • Special Citation

The new University of California at Merced campus was the first major university campus in the United States to open in the 21st Century. Like UC Berkeley, which was conceived in the 19th Century but came to full form in the 20th Century, UC Merced had the opportunity to further define the role and form of the University in a time of accelerated change in technology and information access.

Four general themes guide the physical development of UC Merced:

• Technology
  
• Outreach
  
• Sustainability
  
• Model for Growth

The 2,000-acre Merced campus was planned for an eventual 25,000 students. It is composed of three primary land use elements: the Main Campus, the Campus Reserve, and the Campus Natural Preserve. Each has an important role in the three key missions of the university: teaching, research, and public service. The campus sets an example for urban growth in the San Joaquin Valley, showing how increases in population can be accommodated while preserving the agricultural and environmental basis of its economy and ecosystem. Every aspect of its construction and operation achieved a high level of resource conservation, including materials, energy use, and sustainability.

The University of California—Merced Master Plan integrates sustainable practices at every phase of the project, from energy-infrastructure and transportation-systems planning through building occupancy. The plan incorporates new, cost-effective ways to both reduce consumption of natural resources and minimize pollution from transit systems as well as the waste of resources.

The campus design considers its regional context in order to minimize the impact of long-term development on natural resources, and the fabric of future northward expansion of the City of Merced. The campus grid is angled to maximize cooling breezes off the lake. The plan allows for infrastructure implementation, predictable and sensible expansion and phasing, and creates an environment supportive of social interaction and sustainable town living.