The Latitude Dining Commons at UC Davis is a new 500-seat facility with a design inspired by the Central Valley. The space represents the food and farming culture of both the university and the surrounding region.
The building is sited between Tercero residential buildings to the south and future science buildings across Bioletti Way. The design features an exposed structure of glulam beams and cross laminated wood decking, pitched roofs, and simple, functional materials. A light metal clad folded roof, which draws inspiration from a barn roof, floats above large glass walls and extends out to shade entrances and terraces.
Multiple pathways link the sidewalk with the dining and retail entrances and a continuous band of active public terraces shares views with pedestrians and cyclists along Bioletti Way. Tables and chairs, benches, and steps encourage students to gather, eat, or study.
The project includes a full commercial kitchen, provides multiple international food platforms, and has retail grab-n-go and convenience options. A two-level area features front of house public functions (such as dining, servery, queuing, and retail) while a one-level mass includes all back of house functions. Painted steel stairs between the first and second levels stand free in the space that adds to the “see and be seen” dynamic. Also included are loading docks for deliveries, outdoor seating opportunities, circulation, site improvements, and bicycle parking.
HED was the project architect with Otto Construction as the general contractor. The project is targeting LEED Gold certification.
Related Stories
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Sep 11, 2017
Mid-size, multi-use arenas setting a trend for the future
While large 20,000-seat sports venues aren’t going away, mid-size venues provide advantages the big arenas do not in a time of budget constraints and the need for flexibility.
Giants 400 | Sep 7, 2017
Top 95 university construction firms
Turner Construction Co., The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., and Barton Malow top BD+C’s ranking of the nation’s largest university sector contractor and construction management firms, as reported in the 2017 Giants 300 Report.
Giants 400 | Sep 7, 2017
Mashup in the halls of ivy: Campus expansions put the emphasis on elevating the student experience
Today’s multi-functional buildings support a diverse range of academic programs, with transparent walls to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
University Buildings | Sep 5, 2017
Rohrer College of Business supports the schools academic programs with several key spaces
Designed by KSS Architects and Goody Clancy, the new facility opened prior to the fall 2017 school year.
University Buildings | Sep 1, 2017
The University of Texas receives boutique-style student housing complex
The Ruckus Lofts provide 46 furnished units and 165 beds for UT students.
Libraries | Aug 30, 2017
1850s library building is brought into the 21st century
The original building was updated and given a new extension and landscaping.
University Buildings | Aug 28, 2017
Just what the doctor ordered: St. Louis College of Pharmacy receives new student center
The $50 million building adds over 193,000 sf of space to the campus.
University Buildings | Aug 25, 2017
‘Chapel of food’ becomes one of Clemson’s go-to spaces on campus
The new dining hall is part of the school’s ongoing efforts to maintain its standing among the country’s top 20 public universities.
K-12 Schools | Aug 18, 2017
How to create healthy learning environments with active design
Active design can be incorporated into any facility or campus with a few simple steps.
University Buildings | Aug 8, 2017
Student center(ed): Is the student union the key to retention?
Studies indicate that the longer a student remains on campus—and in an academic mindset—the greater their chance for academic growth and success.
