JACOBS MEDICAL CENTER

This challenging project is located on the University of California San Diego campus in La Jolla. We worked closely with the University and Yazdani Studio to create a therapeutic setting for the building that connects to the existing campus context while anticipating future hospital expansion. The site is located on top of a bluff with deep arroyos on each side and the Pacific Ocean in the distance. It is important for us to connect the site with its geographic context as well, and this will be achieved through a careful selection of plant materials and the use of locally quarried gravel and decomposed granite to be used as porous paving materials. A dynamic drift of native shrubs and trees will reach across the site and literally connect to each arroyo. Therapeutic meandering walks have been designed throughout the site, which will be planted with a grid of olive trees to provide shade for visitors and patients. A clearing within the olive grove reveals a Great Lawn for large events and it will be surrounded with a promenade and seating areas. We saw bulky civil engineering elements such as stormwater detention basins as opportunities to create unexpected landscape elements such as secret meadows and intimate contemplation gardens.

There will be serious situations happening in this building, and the need for a variety of outdoor spaces is essential to assist in the recovery process. We have created several gardens throughout the tower to provide relief for visitors, doctors and patients. This project was created while at Pamela Burton and Company as Director of Design.

Location
San Diego, CA

Architect
Yazdani Studio | Cannon Architects

Construction
Kitchell Construction