University of California, Riverside Opens School of Medicine Education Building II

The University of California, Riverside opened the $100 million School of Medicine Education Building II in September of 2023. Created by the design-build team of CO Architects and Hensel Phelps, the 95,478-gsf facility offers 56,500 asf of innovative learning and support space. The first three floors of the five-story structure are dedicated to instruction and collaboration, augmented by sophisticated audiovisual technologies throughout. Two 3,500-sf, 140-seat lecture halls can be combined into one large gathering area with glass doors that open onto the lobby and the courtyard plaza. The Active Learning Center can seat 80 students grouped around tables or be configured as a full lecture setting. Sixteen rooms are available for small group sessions, while a 140-seat teaching venue with interactive tiers can accommodate a variety of pedagogical styles.

Offering study environments ranging from individual pods to dedicated rooms, the highly flexible development provides numerous student lounges with kitchenettes and outdoor balconies. An iconic staircase with integrated seating fosters informal exchange while promoting active circulation. The top two floors house administrative and faculty offices.

Illuminated by natural light, the sustainably designed building has attained LEED Platinum certification and features a 200-kilowatt photovoltaic array on the roof. Construction began on the project in October of 2021.