In UCLA’s strategic plan, campus leaders cited access to child care as one of the three most critical factors in recruiting and retaining top faculty, an essential step to maintaining academic excellence. Given the urgent need and lack of suitable on-campus space, UCLA, Bright Horizons and the design team worked to convert the fourth level of the Westwood Marketplace shopping center — the former site of a Longs Drugs store — into classrooms, administrative offices and a reception area.

The adaptive re-use project incorporates floor-to-ceiling windows, colorful finishes and a variety of plants throughout the space. A large outdoor classroom/play area located directly in front of the center leverages the large footprint of the former retail parking area.