UC Law San Francisco Academe at 198
Challenge
Designing Multi-Disciplinary Buildings for Higher Education
Designing multi-disciplinary buildings is a collaborative process, and our team was up for the challenge. The University wanted multiple areas that could be utilized as hybrid spaces. These hybrid spaces would need to serve academic, business, and social purposes. These requirements led to the design of two spaces: an auditorium/classroom and the Lex Lab.
Designing Specialized Classrooms
The design for The Academe at 198 included specialized classrooms replicating real courtrooms for law students. The design required heightened attention in these spaces to ensure optimal performance. These classrooms aimed to provide the feel and performance of a real courtroom with the infrastructure typical of a higher education classroom.
Solutions
Curated Technology Solutions for Multi-Disciplinary Buildings in Higher Education
To support the various needs of the hybrid auditorium, it is equipped with a large projection system, a stage for panel speakers, videoconferencing, a position for an in-house operator for more in-depth AV set-ups, wall-mounted displays to improve sight lines, and excellent acoustics to facilitate clear and intelligible communication. This setup provides endless opportunities for the University to host a variety of events, and we're excited to see it come to life.
The Lex Lab provides a specialized space to connect local tech firms with college students and host events. This open-concept area included audiovisual technology for small-group video conferences and large events, as well as acoustical treatment to reduce noise buildup and facilitate spoken communication.
Creating a high-performing and equitable learning environment
Our audiovisual and acoustics team addressed the challenge of designing the specialized mock courtroom classrooms by strategically installing microphones throughout the room to ensure clear sound for all occupants. Additionally, the ceilings were treated with micro-perforated wood to enhance the room's acoustics. Along with courtroom-specific technology, audiovisual elements, including drop-down presentation screens and wireless microphone set-ups, were integrated into these rooms to aid professors.
Services
- Design & Engineering
- Project Management
Systems
- Acoustics
- Audiovisual
- Network
- Security
- Telecom
About
The Academe at 198 presents a transformative addition to UC Law San Francisco's campus landscape. This 14-story mixed-use student housing complex, located on the corner of McAllister and Hyde Street, is designed to foster collaboration and innovation across academic disciplines. It features 600 student housing units, offering below-market rates, alongside state-of-the-art higher education facilities such as classroom auditoriums, mock courtrooms, faculty offices, and collaborative spaces.