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.