Charlie Munger’s architecture design for the University of California Santa Barbara’s new large dormitory is being noticed after an architect who was part of the Design Review Committee quit.

The 11.2-story, $1.68 billion building would accommodate 4,536 undergraduates. It boasts 1.68 million square footage and a height of 11 stories. This building will address the problem of a severe shortage of residential space at the school that has drawn threats of lawsuits.

Munger, Vice-Chairman of Berkshire HathawayHe is both interested in investing and architecture. Warren Buffett’s long-time business partner is donating millions to help foot the bill for the building — on the condition he plays a big role in designing it.

Eight single bedrooms are divided into eight suites in the proposed building. Although the bedrooms do not have windows, common areas are equipped with them and they’re plentiful.

The building features a roof-top fitness center, recreation area, juice bar and juice bar as well as a “grab n’ go” market, landscaped court, and surfboard storage. 

(A) UCSB presentation for a hearing in July includes many drawings and plans, along with technical details.)

The Santa Barbara Independent reports Dennis McFadden (architect) resigned after 15 years of service on the panel. He said that the design was “unsupportable” from his perspective as an architect and parent.

McFadden addressed a letter of concern to school and stated that “natural light, air and views to nature” improve both physical and psychological wellbeing. Munger Hall seems to ignore this evidence, and seem to believe it doesn’t really matter.

McFadden claimed that the university’s “vision” is the vision of one donor. The building has an undetermined impact on the personal and professional development of undergraduates.

The following is an interview with BloombergMunger supported his idea. Munger stated, “Everybody loves natural light. It’s not an easy game. A large, square building will make it easy to have everything within reach. You can make the space more light-efficient, which means you have fewer people living in it.

Munger told Bloomberg The dorm can be described as an “improved” version of a building housing graduate students at the University of Michigan that he helped design and pay for.

 “I was just there last month. It was a random selection of students, and everyone is crazy about it. The existing building is a success, so we’re trying to copy it and make improvements.

Additional reviews and approvals are still required for the project.

 The school hopes to have it ready to open in the fall of 2025.

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