Higher Learning

The Teaching and Learning Complex is the first new general classroom building on the UC Davis campus in 50 years.

by Jocelyn Anderson
October 10, 2022

Exterior of the new Teaching and Learning Complex

The Teaching and Learning Complex, situated near the Silo, is the first new general classroom building on the UC Davis campus in 50 years. The TLC currently boasts three floors of classrooms, lecture halls and study spaces, while the fourth floor houses offices. “We aim to change the way we teach,” said Kem Saichaie, director of learning and teaching at the UC Davis Center for Educational Effectiveness. The $86 million building opened at the start of spring quarter. A dedication ceremony was held Oct. 4.

Photography by Karin Higgins and Gregory Urquiaga

Photo of a concrete staircase on the right with large wooden steps on the left. Students sit in various places along the wooden steps studying.

A Grand Entrance

The concrete stadium stairs outside the southwest side of the building — shaded by solar panels — have tables outside for gatherings. And interior stadium stairs (pictured above) on the north side of the building have outlets and cushions so students can relax with friends and get work done while waiting for their classes to begin.

Students sit at tables with their laptops in a college classroom. There are large windows along one side, a blackboard and white boards on the wall, and audio/visual equipment in the ceiling.

Classrooms

The TLC has approximately 2,000 seats and supports active learning strategies with flexible seating designed to promote engagement. Each room is equipped with lecture-capture technology and cameras that connect to Zoom.

Two students sit at a cafe table in a student lounge area. A large wraparound white board on the wall has messages and equations scrawled on it.

Social Hub

The TLC includes multiple areas for informal gathering and collaboration complete with white boards, study spaces and post-class discussion nooks. Natural lighting enhances many of the spaces.

A view of solar panels from underneath. The panels form a shade structure for the outdoor space beside the building. The roof extends over the building and the outdoor space.

Sustainability

A canopy of photovoltaics provides shade to the outdoor stadium seating while offsetting the building’s energy use.

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UC Davis Magazine