UCLA’s Teaching and Learning Center for Health Sciences, which is currently under construction at the intersection of Tiverton Drive and Le Conte Avenue, was one of three dozen innovative design projects recognized by the Los Angeles Business Council at the 44^th Annual Los Angeles Architectural Awards, held June 4.

Selected by a jury of 25 notable design and building professionals, the winning projects encompass a wide range of building types, from performing arts centers to affordable apartment complexes to single-family homes. The UCLA Teaching and Learning Center for Health Sciences will serve as a gateway for the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and the campus as a whole. The concept includes planning and design for ever-changing technologies, innovative teaching styles, and greater connections between the campus community.

Judges were particularly impressed by the building’s design, which is organized around a central courtyard. This central space is open to the sky, unites the various program elements of the school and includes a path that connects exterior and interior space. The new building will provide a link for accessing multiple buildings and provides UCLA students and faculty with new, improved spaces to learn and collaborate, including a lecture hall, multipurpose room, problem-based learning classrooms and labs.

The six-level, 110,000-square-foot building project broke ground last September and it's expected to be completed in 2016.  Funding for the $120 million project has been provided through UCLA Health System reserves and philanthropic gifts.