Stem Cell Lab Renovation
University of California, Santa Barbara

Prominently situated along the bluffs of the Pacific Ocean, the design of this 5,800 square foot lab renovation takes full advantage of the natural light and amazing ocean views provided by its location on the fourth floor of the existing UCSB Biology II building. 

Blackbird’s thorough collaboration with professors, students, staff, and design team ensured the realization of a dynamic space desired by the University.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing at each lab entry creates an active arrival and visual connection to the activities taking place beyond the doors.  Super graphics of research imagery integrated into the glazing offers a sense of the lab’s identity upon entering the space.

Careful orchestration of building MEP systems allows for higher ceiling heights near window areas for maximum daylighting.  Transparency and openness of the offices and conference spaces through glass partitions provide both physical and visual connection to the lab while preserving views to the remarkable backdrop beyond.  

Paralleling this incredible setting with effective space planning and adaptable lab stations for versatile use over time has made this renovation the benchmark for high-end labs at the University of Santa Barbara, California, and a suitable home for the renowned scientists who will utilize it, Dr. Denise and Craig Montell. 

“Blackbird Architects are a pleasure to work with. With the highest standards of service and quality, they’ve delivered highly technical solutions for our Campus under challenging financial and temporal constraints. Their designs are sensitive, adaptable, and imaginative, offering important contributions to the ethics and aesthetics of contemporary architecture. With their consistently high standards of professionalism, Blackbird Architects is one of the top firms I have worked with in my 10 years as University Representative at the UC, Santa Barbara, and I look forward to another decade of extraordinary partnership.”

Liana Khammash, Int’l Associate Architect, Project Manager & University Representative, UCSB