Scientists from around the world gather to advance the study of the oceans, earth and marine life sciences at this ocean front conference center. Located atop an ocean bluff with strong winds, western sun, and an existing grove of palms providing natural context, the facility responds to these forces without impacting their natural beauty. In addition, the uniquely informal character of the Scripps community, with its clear appreciation of the natural environment and outdoors, became an influential factor in the design. The project includes a flexible auditorium, four meeting rooms of varying sizes, a graduate student lounge, a catering kitchen, and restaurants. A series of large pocketing doors between the auditorium, lobby, and oceanfront terrace allow the main space to accommodate a wide variety of functions from lectures and formal presentations to receptions and banquets, while simultaneously maximizing the ocean views. The auditorium is tucked into the hillside to minimize its mass from the east, allowing for gentle ramps to access roof terraces. The program is broken into several buildings connected by a trellised walkway, creating a porous structure that preserves ocean views and breezes for the rest of the campus. The project is LEED Certified.