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