Deadline for questions: no later than 3:00p.m. Pacific, 03/28/2024. The University of California, Berkeley is seeking an Executive Architect to perform schematic design,
design development, construction documents, permitting, bidding, construction administration and other
support services as required by the Executive Design Professional Agreement (EDPA) for the renovations
of three classrooms. These classrooms are McCone Hall Classroom 141, Valley Life Sciences Building
(VLSB) 2050 and Physics 351.
These projects are part of the General Assignment (GA) Classroom Renewal Program and are funded by
the Capital Renewal Program. These programs fund projects that address general assignment teaching
spaces with priority given to physical and technological upgrades and modernization of classrooms with
the goal of renewing spaces on a 5 - 7-year cycle.
McCone 141, VLSB 2050 and Physics 351are prioritized for renovation based upon:
o Relative need for maintenance, renovation and upgrade.
o Opportunity for upgrading classroom technology.
o Opportunity to increase accessibility.
o Opportunity to support new teaching pedagogy and provide active learning features.
McCone Hall 141
McCone Hall, a 7-story building designed by John Carl Warnecke, was built in 1961 across from the Doe
Memorial Library on the northern side of Memorial Glade and adjoined to the western side of Hesse Hall.
The current classroom can accommodate 100 seats.
A Conceptual study has been completed and is included (Attachment D) as part of the RFQ. The first
phase of the architects' efforts will be to verify and confirm the program, scope and budget developed in
the study. This will be used to guide the subsequent design phases and development of bidding
documents. The project will consist of the architectural renovation of an existing classroom including accessibility improvements, seating replacement, finish upgrades, MEPFP upgrades, lighting upgrades,
audiovisual technology integration and teaching wall improvements.
VLSB 2050
The Valley Life Sciences Building (VLSB) was initially constructed in 1930 and was renovated
approximately 60 years later as one of four building projects (Life Sciences Building, Life Sciences
Addition, Genetics & Plant Biology Building, North West Animal Facility) undertaken to revitalize the
biological sciences on the UC Berkeley Campus. VLSB currently accommodates 408 seats and is the
fourth largest lecture hall on the UCB Campus.
A Conceptual study is included (Attachment E) as part of the RFQ. The scope of work is expected to
include accessibility upgrades, finishes upgrades, MEPFP upgrades, seating replacement, audiovisual
technology integration and teaching wall improvements. The proposed accessibility upgrades include the
addition of a raised floor in the lower tier of seating.
Physics 351
The Physics Department is centrally located on campus, right along the Campanile Esplanade.
Historic Physics South, Physics North, Birge Hall and New Campbell Hall (link is external), house physics
labs, offices and classrooms. Physics 351 is located in the Physics North building and is currently used as
a library and study space.
A preliminary sketch of proposed modifications has been included (Attachment F). Further investigation
and development will be required to arrive at a design. Due to the conversion from study space to
classroom it is expected that the project may include finish upgrades, wall and door modifications, ceiling
modifications, lighting upgrades, MEPFP modifications and audiovisual integration.
In addition to the classroom scope of work listed above for McCone 141, VLSB 2050 and Physics 351,
the architect will assess the path of travel to each classroom and accessible upgrades may be required.
The project will be required to meet the University of California Sustainable Practices Policy as well as
other relevant UC and campus policies and guidelines.
The University, at its discretion, may decide to design and construct the projects concurrently or
sequentially. The McCone 141 project is currently funded, and a preliminary schedule has been provided
for this project for reference (Attachment C). The University may or may not move forward with VLSB
2050 and Physics 351 since these projects are not yet funded.
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