As the first design studio course of seven in the UCLA program, this class introduced me to site design basics, from analyzing a site’s existing conditions and inventory, to creating conceptual design alternatives, to producing a final site plan, sections, perspectives, and 3D model. The existing site is a neglected building courtyard on the UCLA campus with a large overhead opening to the sky, overgrown trees, few seating options, and ground level entrances to an interior performance theater and various classrooms. My photographic joiner captures how it feels before redesign: cold, barred in by the metal bris soleil, but with light leaks of hope sneaking in through the dappled leaves. The courtyard would be used by theater goers, students, and visitors both during the day and night. My final design is a shallow reflection pond to reflect natural light into the space, illuminating and warming the interior for visitors, while maintaining as much of the historical architecture as possible. A new concessions cafe and various seating elements provide amenities for students, while updated facades and lighting create a renewed sense of place. I used a variety of graphics methods, from hand drafting, to Photoshop, to 3D modeling software to communicate my design.