UCSF's new research centre by Rafael Viñoly

The Ray and Dagmar Dolby Regeneration Medicine Building photgraphed during the day from a side angle, with a road, trees and bushes on the left.

The Ray and Dagmar Dolby Regeneration Medicine Building, which was recently unveiled by the University of California, San Francisco.

(Image credit: TBC)

By O’ar Pali

last updated 18 August 2022

Proof that science doesn't have to be dry, the new Ray and Dagmar Dolby Regeneration Medicine Building is a startling serpentine network of exterior ramps, stairways and interconnecting volumes. Recently unveiled by the University of California, San Francisco, the Rafael Viñoly Architects-designed structure will be the headquarters of the Eli and Edythe Broad Centre of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCSF.

The building's location on a steeply sloping hillside - in a city plagued by earthquakes - was a defining element in its construction. The architects' circuitous use of stairways and sloping walkways has deftly resolved the former, maximising all available space and ensuring a fluid and cohesive whole. Meanwhile, the entire complex is also supported by steel space trusses and concrete piers, which are specifically engineered to absorb earthquakes through seismic base isolation.

Each floor offers a roof garden, forging transitional spaces where forest and campus meet. Inside the centre, horizontal open-plan floors connect the 125 labs, and large windows ensure plentiful natural light, offering panoramic views of Mount Sutro's wooded slopes.

The side of a white building with clear glass windows, and metal poles as a base/foundation. Photographed during the day with trees on the right — The Rafael Viñoly Architects-designed structure will be the headquarters of the Eli and Edythe Broad Centre of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCSF.

A view of the building from an angle that shows the open garden on the left and a path way that leads towards other sections of the building. photographed at night with trees in the background — The building’s location on a steeply sloping hillside - in a city plagued by earthquakes - was a defining element in its construction

Side view of the building showing the metal external staircases leading to different floors. Photographed at dusk — The architects’ circuitous use of stairways and sloping walkways maximises all available space and ensures a fluid and cohesive whole.

An external bridge walkway connecting sections of the building. — The external walkways also take advantage of the moderate local climate.

The side of the building captured at night and lit up by the lights on in the building showing through the clear glass windows — The complex is supported by steel space trusses and concrete piers, specifically engineered to absorb earthquakes through seismic base isolation.

Roof garden of the building with red chairs and a view of the city photographed during the day — Each floor of the building features a roof garden

Open plan work space featuring white walls, floors and clear glass windows (on the left). Work stations sections with desk and black office chairs — Inside the centre, open-plan floors connect the 125 labs

A common area with a long orange wall to wall sofa, long rectangle table and white chairs. — One of the common areas within the complex

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