In a move that could help to bolster its research capabilities, the University of Southern California has proposed the development of a multi-discipline research facility at 1590 North Eastlake Ave. in Los Angeles. According to a report from LAYIMBY, the project is known as the USC Discovery and Translation Hub (DTH Building) and is designed by architecture firm Smith Group.
The seven-story building, spanning a 7.9-acre site on the west portion of the USC Health Sciences Campus, is set to offer a total floor area of approximately 201,292 square feet. The facility is designed to house over 84 researchers.
The project’s architectural significance lies in its integration into the existing USC Health Sciences Campus, serving as a transitional element in height between the 12-story Norris Research Center and the five-story Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine building. The DTH Building will feature two subterranean levels, creating a subterranean connection to the adjacent Broad Building, and rise to a height of 143 feet.
Key components of the facility include a 2,030 square foot lecture hall, a grab & go café/vending machine area, a bio-repository, a medical chemistry core lab and various collaboration, meeting and support spaces. The building’s facade is expected to be a landmark, standing out at 143 feet tall.
The ambitious project extends beyond the building itself, with proposed enhancements to open spaces. A new central quad, spanning 13,920 square feet, is planned to become the heart of the USC Health Sciences Campus. This central area will offer patio seating, terraced seating and recreational spaces, creating an environment conducive to institutional programming, classes and gatherings.
In total, the project aims to provide 61,850 square feet of open space, featuring 20,214 square feet of paved areas and 41,636 square feet of landscaped areas. As part of its commitment to sustainability and aesthetics, the project includes the planting of 88 new trees, contributing to the campus’s greenery.
While the project application and documents are currently under review, the estimated construction timeline has not been officially announced.
