Pritzker Hall, originally designed in 1967 by Paul Revere Williams as Franz Hall Psychology Tower, has recently completed a modernization project on the UCLA campus. The 125,000-sf building is a 100-foot cube that comprises eight above-ground floors and three subterranean ones. It houses research laboratories, dry laboratories, classrooms, and faculty offices.
The updates to the building improve the seismic stability and energy efficiency. Seismic updates often involve adding external bracing via plates and posts. CO Architects and UCLA decided to pursue less-prominent alternatives. The team worked with UCLA’s Engineering Department to validate viscous dampers. Functioning as shock absorbers, 40 purpose-built dampers were strategically added to Pritzker Hall’s six above-ground floors.
The modernization project also featured interior updates to accommodate current curriculum standards. The building’s original single-story lobby was opened to double height to create informal study space. A new media wall in the lobby displays Psychology Department research and events. LED lighting was added throughout. Many of the building’s original architectural intentions were retained, including the second floor’s exposed structural waffle slab. Existing damaged marble walls and terrazzo flooring were covered with new compatible materials.
The project was recently awarded a 2021 WUF Design Award in the Public/Institutional category by the Westside Urban Forum. In addition to CO Architects, the build team also included Rudolph and Sletten (general contractor, construction manager at risk), Affiliated Engineers (MEP engineer), KPFF (civil and structural engineer), Taylor Devices (viscous dampers), Studio-MLA (landscape architecture), KGM Architectural Lighting (lighting), Waveguide (acoustical), SKA (environmental graphics), and Page & Turnbull (historic consultant).
Related Stories
Student Housing | May 3, 2024
Student housing construction dips in the first quarter of 2024
Investment in college dorms dipped slightly in the first quarter of 2024, but remains higher than a year ago.
Student Housing | May 1, 2024
Pfluger Architects unveils renovated student lounges at all-girls dormitory
In a step toward updating and modernizing on-campus housing to attract a range of students, Texas-based Pfluger Architects renovated the student lounges in Kinsolving Hall, a five-story, all-girls dormitory at The University of Texas at Austin initially built in 1958.
Mass Timber | Apr 25, 2024
Bjarke Ingels Group designs a mass timber cube structure for the University of Kansas
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and executive architect BNIM have unveiled their design for a new mass timber cube structure called the Makers’ KUbe for the University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design. A six-story, 50,000-sf building for learning and collaboration, the light-filled KUbe will house studio and teaching space, 3D-printing and robotic labs, and a ground-level cafe, all organized around a central core.
Healthcare Facilities | Apr 16, 2024
Mexico’s ‘premier private academic health center’ under design
The design and construction contract for what is envisioned to be “the premier private academic health center in Mexico and Latin America” was recently awarded to The Beck Group. The TecSalud Health Sciences Campus will be located at Tec De Monterrey’s flagship healthcare facility, Zambrano Hellion Hospital, in Monterrey, Mexico.
University Buildings | Apr 10, 2024
Columbia University to begin construction on New York City’s first all-electric academic research building
Columbia University will soon begin construction on New York City’s first all-electric academic research building. Designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), the 80,700-sf building for the university’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons will provide eight floors of biomedical research and lab facilities as well as symposium and community engagement spaces.
Sports and Recreational Facilities | Apr 2, 2024
How university rec centers are evolving to support wellbeing
In a LinkedIn Live, Recreation & Wellbeing’s Sadat Khan and Abby Diehl joined HOK architect Emily Ostertag to discuss the growing trend to design and program rec centers to support mental wellbeing and holistic health.
Student Housing | Feb 21, 2024
Student housing preleasing continues to grow at record pace
Student housing preleasing continues to be robust even as rent growth has decelerated, according to the latest Yardi Matrix National Student Housing Report.
University Buildings | Feb 21, 2024
University design to help meet the demand for health professionals
Virginia Commonwealth University is a Page client, and the Dean of the College of Health Professions took time to talk about a pressing healthcare industry need that schools—and architects—can help address.
Higher Education | Feb 9, 2024
Disability and architecture: ADA and universal design at college campuses
To help people with disabilities feel part of the campus community, higher education institutions and architects must strive to create settings that not only adhere to but also exceed ADA guidelines.
Laboratories | Jan 25, 2024
Tactical issues for renovating university research buildings
Matthew Plecity, AIA, ASLA, Principal, GBBN, highlights the connection between the built environment and laboratory research, and weighs the benefits of renovation vs. new construction.
