Wexford Science + Technology / University of California, Davis, Sacramento Campus Aggie Square

APPROACH
Aggie Square Phase 1 at the University of California, Davis brings together research, education, industry, and community within an 8.25-acre innovation district on the Sacramento campus. Spanning the Lifelong Learning and Life Sciences & Technology Engineering East buildings, the project required an experiential graphics program that could unify multiple uses while expressing the ambition of a place where ideas, innovation, and people intersect.

A strategy grounded in the relationship between art and science shaped the design approach. Experiential graphics were developed to reinforce identity, celebrate discovery, and create memorable moments throughout the buildings. Local artists contributed large-scale murals within lobby receptions, while corridors interpret the region’s agricultural heritage through a macro-to-micro exploration of rice landscapes and plant structures. Elevator lobbies and cab interiors feature curated scientific imagery sourced from UC Davis research, transforming everyday circulation spaces into moments of curiosity, learning, and visual engagement.

OUTCOME
The result is a vibrant and cohesive environment that reinforces Aggie Square’s identity as a hub for innovation and connection. The graphics program enriches the user experience across diverse programs, creating memorable moments that link science, culture, and community. By embedding local stories and research into the built environment, the project fosters a strong sense of place and invites students, researchers, visitors, and partners to engage with the future of Sacramento.

Work completed under ZGF Architects LLP