University of California, Los Angeles / Wasserman Football Center

APPROACH
The UCLA Wasserman Football Center is a 73,500 SF performance facility designed to honor the legacy of UCLA Football while supporting elite training, recruitment, and daily operations. The project required a branded environment that could celebrate the program’s history, achievements, and culture, while integrating wayfinding and environmental graphics into a cohesive architectural experience.

A strategy to develop a cohesive and identity-driven environment guided the design approach. Historic moments, awards, and individuals were curated and translated into a layered visual narrative, expressed through architectural graphics, donor recognition, and exhibit elements. Key features include a large-scale dimensional installation representing the team’s identity and All-American players, along with interactive and adaptable displays highlighting bowl history and NFL draft timelines. Materials and detailing were aligned with the architectural palette—white ash wood, slate, and brass—ensuring the graphics feel embedded within the space while reinforcing a bold and unified visual language.

OUTCOME
The result is a highly immersive and identity-driven environment that reinforces UCLA Football’s legacy while supporting the day-to-day experience of athletes and staff. The integrated graphics system enhances orientation and engagement, transforming circulation spaces into moments of recognition, motivation, and storytelling. The environment strengthens team culture, elevates recruitment experiences, and creates a lasting connection between past achievements and future performance.


Work completed under ZGF Architects LLP