Docomomo US has awarded a Civic/Institutional Design Citation of Merit for the restoration of the Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Building at UC San Diego. Its 1970’s façade of precast concrete had suffered erosion to the point of being hazardous. Given the HSS building’s status as a registered national historic building, strict adherence to Secretary of the Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties was required. The new exterior had to match existing in virtually every detail.
Moore Ruble Yudell was selected to design the replacement of the entire 8-story exterior curtain wall system. Because of the highly collaborative team effort, our HSS Repair process demonstrates that challenging architecture from the brutalist period can not only be restored, but advanced to meet today’s greater expectations for building performance and longevity.
It was an honor for us to be part of this team to take on the challenge of preserving this Brutalist landmark. It is a teachable example of the care and retention of historic brutalist architecture within the campus of the Muir College Historic District. We’re thrilled that the jury appreciated our efforts, and we’re especially grateful to the UC San Diego for prioritizing restoration over demolition.
Congratulations to the entire team: Architectural Resources Group, Coffman Engineers, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, landLAB, Jensen Hughes, Rudolph and Sletten, Willis Construction.
Now in its 11th year, the Docomomo US Modernism in America Awards celebrate the documentation, preservation and reuse of Modern buildings, structures and landscapes built in the United States or on U.S. territory and recognize building owners, design teams, individuals, and preservation organizations that have made significant efforts to retain, restore, and advocate for the aesthetic and cultural value of such places.
