UC San Diego will make history at 10 a.m., Oct. 24, by breaking ground on the Design and Innovation Building, which is the kick-off event to the first project to begin development in what will be the campus’s new “grand entrance.” The 74,000-square-foot collaborative workspace will be the home base for design and innovation activities with the aim to encourage new ideas, products, and services that contribute to campus’ entrepreneurial spirit. 

The building will be steps away from Pepper Canyon Station of the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley extension, which will act as an inviting “foyer,” welcoming everyone to campus. The multipurpose space is expected to be finished in the spring of 2021, months prior to when first riders will get to travel on the UC San Diego Blue Line Trolley extension.  

The Design and Innovation building and adjacent new amphitheater, Pepper Canyon West housing, will dazzle the senses with the dynamic, creative energy of UC San Diego. The facility will contain workshops and maker space studios with equipment and laser cutters to work with wood, foam, and more. Riders of the trolley will be able to view creative works come to life through the glass exterior of the Design and Innovation Building. 

The groundbreaking ceremony will feature remarks from UC San Diego’s leadership and alumni at the Pepper Canyon Neighborhood UC San Diego’s campus. At 10:45 a.m., following the ceremony, there will be an “Innovation Showcase.” The showcase will feature interactive displays of projects underway from The Basement and The Design Lab. For more information, visit plandesignbuild.ucsd.edu.