Mark Cavagnero Associates Architects

    • Projects
    • UCSF, Sandler Neuroscience Conference Center
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    UCSF, Sandler Neuroscience Conference Center

    Status

    Completed, 2021

    Size

    2,600 sf

    Client

    University of California, San Francisco

    Scope

    Concept Design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documentation, Construction Administration

    Project Team

    Mark Cavagnero
    Kang Kiang
    Federica Carrara
    Mercedes Ha
    Muge Bicer
    Michael Echavarria
    Elizabeth Olsen
    Sara Sepandar

    Project Collaborators

    General Contractor: Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction
    Acoustics, AV, LEED, Theater, Telecom: ARUP
    Mechanical, Plumbing: Acco Engineered Systems
    Electrical & Lighting: Paganini Electric Corp
    Fire Protection: Eco Fire Sprinklers Inc
    Fire Alarm: Red Hawk
    Architectural Photography: Mike Kelley

    Description

    A new fit-out project within the Sandler Neurosciences Center at University of California San Francisco (UCSF) set out to transform an existing shelled space to a 160-person conference facility. The project’s primary objective was an interactive teleconference capability for the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases Department to allow connection with other researchers globally. While carefully balancing lighting, audio, video, acoustical, and production requirements, the design sought to provide a room with visual clarity focused on a comfortable experience for the scientists - both for those presenting and in the audience.

    To create a warm and welcoming ambiance, hemlock wood panels are lined along the room’s perimeter to envelope the audience with a sense of comfort and connection to nature. Each panel sits slightly offset to each other to reduce its overall scale and the amount of deflected noise back into the audience. As a counterpoint, the tiered seating consists of muted medium and charcoal grey tones. Overhead, the ceiling is deliberately light and bright consisting of three scalloped, monolithic white ceiling “sails”. Each cascade down towards the stage, directing attention to a curved LED video wall which serves as the visual focal point of the room.

    The result is a thoughtful, state-of-the-art conference space that facilitate seamless collaboration between UCSF and other research institutions worldwide. One that provides visual and physical comfort so that the scientists can focus on the exchange of their important ideas that help to better mankind.

    Location

    Recognition

    Awards

    International Design Awards, Cultural/Community Interior Design – Theater/Auditorium Category – Silver, 2024