UCR Big Springs Parking Structure Riverside, California

A prominent Gateway Ribbon serves as a new gateway marker to the campus, creating a distinctive and iconic feature at the east entrance. The tallest blue ribbon vertical element marks the primary entrance and vertical circulation core for all pedestrians.



  • Location

    Riverside, California

  • Sector

    Education

  • Service

    Architecture

  • Client

    UC Riverside

  • Status

    Completed

  • Size

    1,079 garage stalls, 208 surface stalls

The design integrates seamlessly with the natural environment by reflecting geographical features such as earth, stone, plates, erosion, weathering, dynamism, change, and abrasion.

“This facility provides the parking capacity we need to meet the campus’s ongoing demand. As we lose some of our older surface lots to campus development projects, this structure allows us to continue to serve those community members who are displaced.” — Andrew Stewart, associate director of field services for Transportation Services

Meticulous planning resulted in a pedestrian experience that is both safe and engaging. Dedicated pathways on the building’s exterior minimize vehicular and pedestrian crossover points. Additionally, site lighting and wayfinding devices, including signage and blue-ribbon towers, guide users effectively, instilling confidence and enhancing overall safety.

The UC Riverside’s Big Springs Parking Structure 1 addresses all the campuses design concerns—from resident experience to environmental impact and aesthetic design, embodying the essence of the campus and its surrounding neighborhood.  The design maximizes space efficiency while capturing the natural backdrop of Box Springs Mountain Reserve Park.  The multiple entry points provides direct access to the parking ramp, facilitating quick and intuitive movement to the upper levels.  The new structure ultimately provides the much desired Gateway Landmark, announcing the campus entry, on the west side of the UCR campus.