UC Davis: Gateway to Campus and Innovation Epicenter Projects Tours

Presented by AIA Central Valley’s Committee on Architecture for Education

Join us for a behind-the-scenes look at two transformative projects at UC Davis that reflect the university’s growth and commitment to community and innovation.

The Latitude Dining Commons serves as a key gateway to campus, strategically located at a major pedestrian crossroads. Designed to build community across residential neighborhoods and the broader university, the facility features a full commercial kitchen, global food platforms, and grab-n-go retail options—many using ingredients grown right on campus. The two-level design includes a mezzanine dining area overlooking gardens, outdoor seating, and ample bike parking, all contributing to an inviting, sustainable environment.

The tour continues at the Chemistry Building Addition, a state-of-the-art facility that supports interdisciplinary research in chemistry, chemical biology, and materials science. The addition offers modern wet labs, flexible research spaces, and faculty offices, all designed to encourage collaboration and discovery. Natural light and transparency are emphasized throughout, blending seamlessly with the existing architecture and symbolizing the ongoing evolution of science and learning at UC Davis.

Led by project team members from UC Davis and HED, the tour concludes with a casual social at The Silo Gunrock.

Event leaders: UC Davis: Jesse Navarro, Sandra Mott, Kraig Brady, Mary Schertzer HED: Michael Myers, Malou Sanchez, Anna MacDougall, Erin Pleticha