UCSD Viterbi Family Vision Research Center

The Viterbi Family Vision Research Center at UC San Diego prioritizes energy efficiency, water conservation, and occupant wellbeing. Atelier Ten worked with the design team to deliver a high-performance building that reduces operational energy use and peak demand while creating exceptional spaces for cutting-edge research.

Early-on, the project set out to optimize energy, water, and facade performance, while switching away from an on-site fossil fuel combustion system. Atelier Ten guided the design team and University’s stakeholder groups in establishing sustainability priorities that align with UCSD and UCOP’s institutional commitments.

The high-performance building envelope provides natural daylight to interior lab spaces while reducing cooling loads. Atelier Ten optimized glazing ratios, shading systems, and massing to balance thermal performance with daylight access. Exterior shading strategies reduce cooling loads on south and west façades by 5–8%, allowing blinds to remain open longer and enhancing visual connection to the outdoors.

Energy analysis was conducted in every design phase to inform critical decisions such as MEP system selection, identifying and incorporating energy and carbon reduction measures and assessing impact on LEED certification. Key measures include electrification of hot water, insulated walls and glazing assemblies, and reduction in lighting power density.

The project followed a pathway to LEED Gold certification, established by Atelier Ten. Key strategies that contributed to the LEED target are an all-electric design for HVAC, recycled water use for irrigation and cooling tower makeup water, and high-efficiency fixtures for indoor water consumption.