Food Science: Nearly two-thirds of the American population is taking a botanical dietary supplement or nutraceutical health product. Although this $86 billion dollar industry continues to grow, there is still little scientific research to substantiate the true health benefits of these popular supplements.
Research: The Plant Growth Center establishes a new type of building, adapting commercial greenhouse systems to create a research facility for scientific study of nutritional plant physiology and nutraceutical genetics - unlocking the potential of plant materials for promoting health. A highly sophisticated control system and the building’s organization allow flexibility for a wide range of research conditions.
Garden Setting: Located in the northeast corner of UCLA’s acclaimed Mildred Mathias Botanical Gardens, the design is sensitive to its garden setting, as well as to the edge of campus and adjacent buildings, through its low profile roof and articulated geometry. The building is comprised of support spaces in a masonry base below second floor glass-enclosed greenhouses.