Orchid 
The Viterbi Family Vision Research Center at UC San Diego brings scientists and clinicians together in a dedicated, cross-disciplinary hub designed to advance breakthroughs in eye disease. Powered entirely by electricity, the building supports world-class science while reflecting the university’s mission to cure blindness, improve human health, and decarbonize its campus.
Located at the main gateway to UC San Diego’s medical campus, the center integrates laboratories, clinical trial areas, and collaborative spaces within a transparent, light-filled structure. Wet laboratories occupy one side of the building, while dry labs and offices line the other. Between them, bright lounges—modeled on the iris, where light meets the eye—offer inviting gathering spaces with kitchenettes where scientists can step away, connect, and collaborate.
The crafted base uses durable, lower-carbon materials to minimize environmental impact, create a grounded visitor experience, and align with surrounding buildings, reinforcing the center’s role as a campus gateway. Solar-responsive fins reduce glare and heat gain, improving workspace comfort while lowering energy use and operating costs. Inside, high-contrast finishes help patients with vision impairments navigate and orient themselves with greater ease.
Beautiful Building!
Amazing project for advancing vision science
Beautiful project
INSPIRING – from the beautiful design, quality and construction to the promise of transforming vision care!
Beautiful design.
This building is a shining star in an already attractive area. Well designed, beautiful form, and hope for the future in its purpose as a cross-disciplinary hub to advance breakthroughs in eye disease.
Orchid all the way!!! Beauty in design and meaningful contribution to community!!
Beautiful building that will help in the discovery of amazing treatments. What a great addition to the campus and our city
Beautiful laboratories, proud to be a occupant.
What a beautiful building. A great addition to this Campus. Excited for the future discoveries in vision care.
Walking through this building feels light and purposeful at the same time. Beautiful on the outside and inside.
This is a winner! The picture of the RN with a laptop is amazing!
Beautiful and innovative. it is a wonderful addition to the UC San Diego Campus and shows the beauty of San Diego and La Jolla.
Very nice building! proud to be a occupant.
Beautiful building and a great design and addition to UCSD.
This building is beautiful inside and out. It feels peaceful inside. Nice succulents outside. The flowers attract hummingbirds!
Lovely! ☺️
The Viterbi Vision Research Center exemplifies how thoughtful architecture can accelerate scientific discovery. By bringing vision scientists from diverse disciplines together in one inspiring facility, it fosters collaboration, sparks new ideas, and strengthens multidisciplinary research. Filled with natural light, a vibrant and stimulating environment has been created that enhances creativity, well-being, and productivity. More than a research building, the Center serves as a catalyst for innovation, transforming daily interactions into scientific advances that will improve vision and eye health. Proud to have been engaged in the entire planning process!
Beautiful design, and a great home for vision science in San Diego!