San Joaquin Villages
Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects, Kevin Daly Architects, Kieran Timberlake
Owner: University of California, Santa Barbara
Location: Goleta, California
Category: Specialized Housing (category four)
Built around an existing residence hall, the new San Joaquin Villages introduce apartment-style housing for more than 1,000 students, along with staff and faculty residences, dining commons, a convenience store, and other amenities. SOM in collaboration with Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects and Kevin Daly Architects designed the various residences in order to infuses the project with architectural diversity.
The design team created a series of neighborhoods, each with a mix of housing types and amenities located within a 10-minute off-street bike ride from the center of campus. Each new facility is visually distinct, but all maintain a uniform sequence that balances efficiency, creativity and inclusivity. Plazas, recreational facilities, and courtyard gardens are added key components designed to enhance student life.
All the new residential construction has achieved LEED® Platinum certification for Homes. The site plan, which includes a new storm water management system to protect local wetlands, is also targeting LEED® Gold certification for Neighborhood Development.
