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UC Irvine Mesa Court Expansion

Irvine, CA

Warm Welcome to Campus Living

This new expansion to the Mesa Court neighborhood rises above the tree canopy as a welcoming beacon and memorable gateway experience. Diverse gathering spaces are visible indoors and out, supporting student wayfinding and social connections. Comfort and natural rhythms are celebrated with large windows that bring daylighting, breezes and views into the daily experience.

Designed for Inclusion and Choice

Informed by Mithun’s Beyond the Binary R+D study, the scale and arrangement of spaces and color palette are tailored to enhance a sense of belonging, safety and choice. Lounges and outdoor rooms expand opportunities for community-building, while smaller quiet rooms support moments of respite and focus.

Steward of Health and Resources

Universal accessibility, indoor air quality with CO2 sensors, healthy materials, active stairs and trail access support a health-positive experience for residents. The design reduces energy consumption and its carbon footprint by harnessing prevailing winds and solar energy. Comprehensive stormwater management, bird-safe design strategies and ecologically sensitive plantings support habitat and shifting climate patterns.