World’s Premier Center for Collaborative Mathematical Sciences Research

The equation for such an important facility included Glass Architects, Degenkolb Engineers, and the university. Early collaboration and strong communication across the entire design team equaled success. Completed in 2006, the Mathematical Sciences Research Institute addition and renovation includes an auditorium, library, additional meeting, seminar, and commons space, and office and support space. In keeping with the architectural intent, we designed the 15,500 square foot addition to an existing three-story building using a style of construction that is similar to the existing building. The main auditorium is a quarter circle structure in plan with radial glulaminated beam framing supported by glulaminated columns. The remainder of the above ground structure is wood framing supported by plywood shear walls on concrete grade beams founded on bedrock. The auditorium floor and basement consist of one-way concrete slabs and concrete beams supported by concrete shear walls/retaining walls. This project won a 2007 AIA East Bay Merit Award for Design.