Our design partnership with Ayers Saint Gross extends the design premise and project standards set by UC Berkeley on this 300,000 SF graduate housing complex. kdA’s contribution focuses on the design of the project massing, materiality, and architectural character.

The project is composed of approximately 700 student beds in studios, one bedroom and multi bedroom units in multiple plan types to meet design standards used by American Campus Communities. Some amenity spaces addressing the needs for graduate students such as communal kitchens, quiet study areas, collaborative workspaces, automobile, and bicycle parking, are also included.

The site is sandwiched between University Village, a low-rise, garden-city style, family-oriented student housing complex; a commercial street; and a creek / community farm. The grounded nature of these neighbors provides the site with panoramic views of the bay and San Francisco skyline. kdA’s massing of the project responds to these stunning coastal views and enhances access to natural light while mitigating solar heat gain through orientation.