Promoting Collaboration and Discovery
University of California, Berkeley, Li Ka Shing Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences
Laboratories and Research
After completing a series of studies to replace the University of California, Berkeley’s Warren Hall, ZGF programmed and designed the five-story research building, which promotes collaboration and discovery in a highly flexible, efficient, and welcoming facility. Located at a prominent entry to the campus, the Li Ka Shing Center for Biomedical and Health Sciences is the anchor for a quadrangle of research and teaching buildings dedicated to the biomedical and health sciences. The Center’s four research pillars are cancer biology, infectious diseases, stem cell biology, and neurogenerative diseases.
Location
Berkeley, CA
Square Feet
204,365
Completion date
2011
Project Component
Architecture services
Interior design and space planning
Certifications
LEED Gold®
Designed to house 30 to 35 research laboratories, as well as lecture halls, teaching laboratories, and classrooms, the Center is home to The Henry H. Wheeler Jr. Brain Imaging Center, The Berkeley Stem Cell Center, The Henry Wheeler Center for Emerging and Neglected Diseases, and the Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, where scientists tackle such complex diseases as cancer, Alzheimer’s, tuberculosis, and HIV.
The building is divided into two programmatic zones: laboratory research and office / interaction. Abundant natural light and views, high ceilings, adjustable casework, “plug-and-play” services, individual task lighting, and shared support rooms create a flexible and collaborative laboratory environment. Office suites are adjacent to laboratories, with strong visual connections between the two. Informal gathering spaces are located throughout the facility. The project is LEED Gold® and also incorporates Labs21 Environmental Performance Criteria.
