UC San Francisco Moves Ahead with New Research, Academic Building

The University of California Board of Regents recently approved the design and budget for a new research and academic building at UC San Francisco, according to a news release. The $842-million project will move forward into the construction phase.

The University is partnering with HGA, who will serve as the project’s Executive Architect and Architect of Record. HGA will spearhead programming and planning, interior design and project management, and the design of spaces for research labs and technical program spaces. Architecture firm Snøhetta will lead the building’s overall conceptual design and surrounding area, including site improvements and landscaping.

“We have an incredible opportunity to support our research community with a state-of-the-art building designed to advance the way research is done today,” said Catherine Lucey, MD, MACP, UCSF executive vice chancellor and provost. “Parnassus has always had a thriving UCSF research community that has done tremendous, breathtaking work. This new building will create a space that matches the expertise.”

Another university news release reports that the Parnassus Research and Academic Building will cover roughly 300,000 square feet and stand nine stories. The project has a goal of achieving LEED Gold certification and will be all electric to advance the university’s carbon neutrality goals.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Philadelphia Middle School Facility Earns LEED Gold Certification

    The Alternative Middle Years (AMY) at James Martin Middle School in Philadelphia, Penn., recently received a LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, according to a news release. The School District of Pennsylvania partnered with KSS Architects on the project.

  • Cal Poly Humboldt Starts Construction on Healthcare Education Hub

    California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt in Arcata, Calif., recently announced that work has begun on a renovation project that will turn the Stewart Building into a new Healthcare Education Hub, according to a news release. The university is partnering with Sundt Construction Inc. for construction services.

  • Fargo, N.D., Starts Construction on Consolidated Elementary School

    Fargo Public Schools in Fargo, N.D., recently announced the beginning of construction on a new elementary school, according to a news release. The district partnered with ICON Architectural Group and Kraus-Anderson Construction on the new Horace Mann Elementary School.

  • Designing Third Spaces That Do What AI Can't

    In 2026, education is evolving faster than ever. With AI reshaping everything from lesson planning to personalized instruction, schools and universities are turning their attention to what AI can’t replicate: spaces that foster collaboration, community, and creativity.