Redesigned Historic Studio One Art Center Wins Sustainability Award
Degenkolb Engineers collaborated with Shah Kawasaki Architects on the renovation and seismic upgrade of a vital community resource. The challenge with this local project was to design around the established program and budget of a vibrant community art center within the existing footprint of this beloved historic structure. Nothing new could be modified or added to the building, leaving our team an opportunity to redefine our architectural creativity.
According to the City of Oakland’s Lily Soo Hoo “SKA approached the project in a very organized manner,…stayed focused to the project needs and delivered a product meeting difficult challenges and various interests.” Collaboration with the City resulted in the project winning a Pacific Gas & Electric Co. Savings by Design Award for its creative use of sustainable materials and systems.
Sorely missed during its reconstruction, this popular community center now houses art studios, display spaces, multipurpose rooms for meetings and dance, kitchen, scene workshop, theater, darkroom, and classrooms for painting, jewelry making, pottery, and glasswork.
