The building sits facing arguably the University’s most significant historical plaza, including three National Register neoclassic buildings and two significant landscape features. We developed a design lexicon for the new building that is at once respectful of these historic structures and also conscious of the university’s mission for student-faculty interaction. The historic core to the east features a pitched tile roof, a primary skin color similar to legacy buildings, punched inset vertical windows, and satin finish metals for trim and accent materials. The west facing elevation opposite the historical core provides a more modern face, integrating a Brise Soleil, a glazed stair tower that offers views across the west campus, and the southwest-facing sixth floor observatory.

Campbell Hall features highly interactive teaching and research spaces, helping to ensure UC Berkeley’s continued preeminence in the physical sciences. The program includes:

• EMI-RF Labs
• Vibration/Acoustic Control Labs
• Temperature Controlled Laser Optics
• Lab support spaces
• Rooftop observatory
• Teaching and Learning Center: 24/7 access to learning resources and three remote observation rooms that provide connections to telescopes around the world
• Cosmology Commons: Part of the Berkeley Center for Cosmological Physics in the neighboring Physics South Building
• Classrooms
• Offices

The project literally bridges the gap between astronomers and physicists; a new open-air bridge to neighboring historic Physics South Building and the physics department cements that connection.