How Daylighting Preserves the Integrity of Art and Film.

Architects Diller, Scofidio + Renfro were strategic when designing the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archives’ (BAM/PFA) $112 million expansion and renovation nearly three years ago. The project is much-acclaimed for its avant-garde design and impressive use of mixed materials, achieving the perfect balance of old and new.

One component of the project was the art gallery. For this space, it was important to bring in the purest natural light, protecting the valuable art from glare and contrasts, which resulted in a collaboration with our firm, Advanced Glazings Ltd. (AGL)

The project integrates a 48,000 square foot Art Deco–style building, formerly the University of California Berkeley printing plant, with a 35,000-square-foot new structure. The printing plant’s distinctive north-facing sawtooth roof was preserved, which created a welcome challenge for our team.

AGL’s Solera L Insulated glass panels were used to strategically bring the optimal amount of full spectrum daylight throughout the gallery, creating the optimal viewing experience for guests. The Solera L glazing was chosen for its unique and powerful ability to deliver and distribute natural light to the interior in all directions. Now, guests can experience the much-admired art in color correct light without glare or contrast

The end result is an iconic building that doubles as an exciting landmark for Berkeley’s downtown art district and a hub for more than 400 films, 20 art exhibitions, as well as an extensive schedule of programs and performances annually.

To learn more about this project, click here.

The World Garden (2016), the first of Berkeley Art Museum’s “Art Wall” series, which commissioned artists to create a work for the venue’s public lounge area.

Known as a catalyst for both urban and collegiate, The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archives, collectively known as BAM/PFA is now an iconic destination in the heart of the Bay Area.

The avant-garde zinc structure placed gently into the 1930's printing plant with a projecting cafe and sidewalk is noted by most who visit the incredible space or Center street. This iconic signature structure has revived The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archives into becoming an exciting landmark for Berkeley’s downtown arts district.
Photo credit: Iwan Baan. Courtesy Diller Scofidio + Renfro and EHDD