Berkeley, CA

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

Scope/Solutions

The University of California needed to seismically retrofit the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, but determined it would negatively affect exhibit space and instead chose a downtown site to create a new museum. Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s (DS+R’s) design combines an existing 48,000 sq ft Art Deco building, previously housing the campus printing plant, with a new 35,000 sq ft addition. SGH consulted on the building enclosure for the addition and peer reviewed the structural design for the project.

SGH assisted DS+R, the design architect, and EHDD Architecture, the architect of record, with designing the building enclosure, including below-grade waterproofing, roofing, curtain walls, and metal panel systems. Highlights of our work include the following:

  • Reviewing design concepts and recommending ways to improve performance
  • Helping select building enclosure systems and developing details for integrating the various systems
  • Outlining performance, material, and installation requirements for the metal panel systems to include in project specifications
  • Working with the design-assist contractor for the metal panels to develop the custom metal facade design
  • Providing construction administration services for the metal panel facade
  • Inspecting installation of below-grade waterproofing on behalf of the owner

Working for the university, SGH peer reviewed the structural design, including seismic upgrades and modifications to existing structures along with construction of a new addition.  Highlights of our work include the following:

  • Reviewing structural drawings, specifications, and calculations for conformance to code requirements and appropriate practice
  • Coordinating with the structural engineer of record to address comments
  • Meeting with the campus seismic review committee to discuss the review

Project Summary

Icon: completion-date

2016

Completion Date
Icon: award-winner

Award

Winner
Solutions
New Construction
Services
Building Enclosures | Structures
Markets
Culture & Entertainment | Education
Client(s)
EHDD Architecture | University of California, Berkeley | Diller Scofido + Renfro
Specialized Capabilities
Seismic Engineering | Facades & Glazing | Roofing & Waterproofing

Key team members

Craig Allender
Managing Principal, Building Technology, San Francisco Bay Area
Jeffry Ceruti
Consulting Principal
Ronald Hamburger
Consulting Principal

Additional Projects

West

The Broad

Made possible through contributions from Eli and Edythe Broad, The Broad is a new museum dedicated to postwar and contemporary art. SGH consulted on the building enclosure design.
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West

Southwest Museum

SGH investigated the condition of the original building, including its seven-story Caracol Tower, and the Poole Wing, which suffered from leakage and damage that occurred during the Northridge earthquake.
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