UCLA's Geffen Hall a LEED Model
Geffen Hall at UCLA, with sustainability consulting by Atelier Ten, is being highlighted as a prime example of integrated environmental design. The project features daylight optimization and all-electric building systems, showcasing the high-performance standards now expected in major academic and commercial projects in Los Angeles.
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the 110,000-square-foot Geffen Hall achieved LEED Platinum certification, the highest level awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council. This places it among the 21 Platinum-certified buildings on a campus that makes LEED Gold a minimum for new construction. The project was part of a strategic consolidation, bringing together medical school facilities that were previously scattered across 11 different buildings. Passive design strategies are central to the building's high performance, with a large open-air courtyard driving natural ventilation to reduce energy consumption. The design team, including structural engineers from WSP and general contractor Rudolph and Sletten, utilized brick and vertical aluminum fins on the east and west facades to minimize solar heat gain. Inside, active systems include radiant floor heating and cooling and underfloor air distribution for large teaching spaces. Water efficiency is addressed through low-flow fixtures and a rainwater collection system for irrigation. Material selection focused on environmental impact, incorporating locally sourced brick, reconstituted wood products, and exposed thermal mass to reduce peak cooling loads. This holistic approach is a hallmark of sustainability consultant Atelier Ten, which prioritizes integrated design covering everything from building massing and orientation to materials and user wellness. For interns targeting top firms like SOM, Gensler, and HOK, a demonstrated knowledge of sustainable design and LEED guidelines is a basic requirement. Portfolios should showcase proficiency in Revit and Rhino, with experience in sustainability analysis plugins for Grasshopper—like Ladybug and Honeybee for daylight and energy modeling—providing a significant competitive edge. Geffen Hall exemplifies key trends in Los Angeles commercial architecture, where stringent green building codes and a push for wellness are standard. The city's Green New Deal targets net-zero carbon for all new buildings, driving demand for skills in passive design, solar integration, and water conservation. Major LA design trends also include biophilic design, which incorporates natural elements to improve occupant well-being and productivity.
