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
Energy-Efficient Design | Mar 20, 2018
University of Hawaii Maui College on pace to become first U.S. campus to generate 100% renewable energy on-site
The project is part of a partnership with Johnson Controls and Pacific Current that will also allow four UH community college campuses on Oahu to significantly reduce their fossil fuel consumption.
University Buildings | Mar 14, 2018
Harvard’s District Energy Facility showcases a new infrastructure typology
The building is currently under construction.
University Buildings | Mar 7, 2018
New living/learning community replaces two outdated residence halls at Emporia State University
KWK Architects designed the project.
University Buildings | Feb 16, 2018
The University of Washington receives a new Nanoengineering and Sciences Building
The building marks the second phase of a 168,000-sf complex.
University Buildings | Feb 9, 2018
University of Missouri’s new dining experience lessens food waste and inventory
The project was designed by KWK Architects.
University Buildings | Jan 31, 2018
Report: Spending spree on new buildings a risky venture for some U.S. universities
Higher education institutions continue to add new buildings in spite of increased stress on facilities management budgets, according to a new report from Sightlines.
Healthcare Facilities | Jan 29, 2018
The new Virginia Tech Biomedical Research Addition will include research facilities in five thematic areas
The project is a collaboration between Carilion Clinic and Virginia Tech.
University Buildings | Jan 22, 2018
University of Copenhagen’s new research building focuses on energy efficiency
C. F. Møller designed the building.
University Buildings | Jan 19, 2018
A 360-degree classroom highlights Washington State University’s new academic innovation hub
The circle-in-the-round classroom can accommodate 275 students.
University Buildings | Jan 18, 2018
New living/learning facility at the University of Illinois at Chicago breaks ground
Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) designed the facility.
