New UC Berkeley Center for Disabled Students Will Aim for LEED Gold

By Eric Althoff

BERKELEY, Calif.—Design firm LEDDY MAYTUM STACY Architects will reimagine the University of California, Berkeley’s Dwinelle Annex Renovation as the new home of the Center for the University’s Disabled Students’ Program (DSP) as the DSP has outgrown its current space.

The architect will oversee efforts to retrofit the annex building for earthquake preparedness, as well as perform other safety improvements. Additionally, the 9,000-square-foot renovation will enhance capabilities for disabled students and consolidate staff currently spread out at different buildings into a single location. The new DSP will be able to service more than 4,000 students when completed.

LEDDY MAYTUM STACY’s plan calls for a redesigned entry plaza that blends seamlessly with the new lobby. The east and west wings will connect on the second floor via a transparent passageway that allows people to see both in as well as out. Additionally, the building abuts a nearby creek, which thereby blends Berkeley’s urban setting with Northern California’s natural beauty.

Project partners will include Sherwood Design Engineers, Forell | Elsesser, The Engineering Enterprise, SGH and Buro Happold. The renovation project, which aims to attain LEED Gold, is projected to be completed later this year.