CLIENTUniversity of California, Berkeley

SERVICESInteriors

LOCATIONBerkeley, CA

SIZE36,000 sq ft

STATUSCompleted 2013

STUDIOS helped the University win their bid to be the new home of the Simons Institute, and then transformed the aged Calvin Lab Building into “theory heaven”. The Institute brings together current and future leading researchers in theoretical computer science and related fields, such as technology, data science, and mathematics.

Refreshed facade with new outdoor seating area
Refreshed facade with new outdoor seating area

Working within the existing building was particularly challenging due to its circular shape and fixed core. Prior to renovation, the building housed primarily perimeter offices alongside open lab spaces. We re-appropriated the labs as major collaboration and break out areas, and celebrated existing building elements—such as the circular Unistrut armature and a neglected connecting stair—as well as incorporated new ones, including a skylight on the 3rd floor. Glass-fronted perimeter offices on the 3rd floor allow for views and daylight into the central library/study space.

Interaction area with new skylight
Interaction area with new skylight
Third floor offices
Third floor offices
110-seat auditorium
110-seat auditorium
Reception
Reception
Outdoor collaboration area
Outdoor collaboration area

"The renovated building is the site of vibrant collaborative research in its large, bright interaction spaces. One of the visiting
scientists referred to the environment
as “theory heaven”."

Richard Karp, Director

Second floor collaboration area
Second floor collaboration area
Prior to renovation
Prior to renovation

PHOTOGRAPHYBruce Damonte