Located on one of the most topographically-challenging sites on the UC Santa Cruz campus, the five outdated dormitory buildings and campus dining facility at Merrill College suffered from steep elevation changes and limited site access.
CAW reorganized building interiors to provide access to all regularly occupied areas with one new elevator while improving circulation, views, and natural light. We worked closely with the landscape architect to simplify and enhance accessible travel throughout the site and combine landscape and architectural accessibility solutions wherever possible. Hardscape was integrated into landscape design in a manner that provides vehicular access yet maintains a park-like atmosphere adjacent to pedestrian paths.
By reorganizing site circulation and building interiors, the design team solved the college’s myriad code, fire and access problems, improved way-finding, added beds to accommodate enrollment growth, as well as fulfilled the client’s desires to greatly increase the “wow factor” of Merrill College.
