7 Modern Architecture Wonders while Staying at Comfort Inn Gaslamp

If you go for a drive around San Diego, you'll find a variety of architectural styles. Temples, libraries, college campuses, and private homes all use stunning and unique designs that will make you do a double-take. If you want to check out our favorite buildings, we've created a list of 7 modern architecture wonders while staying at Comfort Inn Gaslamp. Each site is within a half-hour drive of our hotel, and some are even right around the corner!

  1. Congregation Beth El

Location: 8660 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 

Congregation Beth El was built by Stanley Saitowitz and Natoma Architects in 2000. The design was inspired by the theme "Entering The Future, Remembering Our Past." The building's exterior reflects the 21st-century design elements and American architecture. Inside the building, the details remind us of our past, using elements commonly found in houses of worship throughout Eastern Europe and around the world. It's been described as a "box of light" as light can penetrate the skylights at every turn. The grassy lawn and olive trees bring a natural feeling to the temple as well. 

  1. UC San Diego's Geisel Library

Location: 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093

The Geisel Library, created in the 1960s by William L. Pereira & Associates, has become one of San Diego's most recognizable buildings. It's famous for its space-age design and distinctive architecture, a mix between futurism and brutalism. The library is named in honor of Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss) for his devotion to improving literacy and generous contributions to the library. The Geisel's were long-time La Jolla residents. 

  1. UC San Diego Price Center

Location: USCD, La Jolla, CA 92093 

The Price Center is adjacent to the Geisel Library, and it just as eye-catching. It opened in 1989 and has gone through many expansions, which have immensely added to its architectural appeal. It's designed with a highly permeable extroverted addition featuring multiple entry points, plazas, and monumental staircases. The building provides plenty of space for dining, lounge space, bookstores, retail, and a movie theater. It's an enjoyable space, even for non-students!

  1. Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Location: 10010 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037 

Louis Kahn designed the Salk Institute for Jonas Salk, the creator of the first polio vaccine. The institute is a picturesque site along the Pacific coast, where Salk intended to build a biological research center. He wanted the design of the building to explore the implications of the sciences for humanity, along with one other request. Salk told Kahn to "create a facility worthy of a visit by Picasso." It's safe to say Kahn succeeded! The 27-acre campus includes subtle water features separating teak-accented buildings while overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It balances functional and striking aesthetics in a way that supports each other.  

  1. The Q

Location: 750 W Fir Street, San Diego, CA 92101 

The 7-story building features a 7,000 square foot penthouse, 29 residential apartments, restaurants, and office spaces. The Q promotes a green living environment as its urban location and office spaces allow many tenants to avoid using cars. Additionally, it's powered by solar panels on the roof of the building. Its high-performance floor-to-ceiling glass lowers solar heat gain while providing incredible San Diego Bay and downtown views. You'll even find Little Italy's oldest home, an 1889 Gothic Victorian house encompassed in the building! 

  1. San Diego Central Library

Location: 330 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 

San Diego's flagship library offers a modern, unique, and attractive architectural design. The architect Rob Quigley designed the nine-story concrete and steel structure, featuring a steel-and-mesh lattice dome. It opened in 2013 and is considered a masterpiece in concrete construction. Rob Quigley conceived the design in many interactive workshops that were attended by hundreds of San Diego locals. It's designed to serve the community's needs for information and be a new community landmark, embodying San Diego's commitment to the future. Roof gardens, bay view terraces, and public reading rooms were added at the public's request. 

  1. Torr Kaelan

Location: 416 13th Street, San Diego, CA 92101 

After Rob Quigley designed the San Diego Central Library, he moved into an East Village adobe just a block away with his wife, Kathleen Hallahan. The five-story, 42 foot wide home is a comfortable showpiece with a stunning white-brick exterior. It's a zero-energy mixed-use building that houses the Quigley Architectural offices. The building is constructed of fireproof materials, offices, and a rental penthouse unit. The ceiling of the top floor allows light in on three sides, allowing the sun to alter the mood of the space throughout the day. The roof also channels and filters rainwater through the gardens and stones before reaching the street. It features an outdoor living room that can be closed off by enormous glass doors which look out at some of downtown San Diego's most iconic structures. 

Comfort Inn Gaslamp

No matter where you go in San Diego, you're bound to find some breathtaking buildings. We hope you visit some of the locations from our list of 7 modern architecture wonders while staying at Comfort Inn Gaslamp! You're sure to enjoy them whether your an architecture buff or not. When staying with us, know that you're in the heart of one of the most exciting cities in the US! To book your stay with us, call us at (619) 202-4324 or book directly through our website.