Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive to Open in 2016

As construction continues on its new home across from the UC Berkeley campus, the Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive (BAM/PFA) is finalizing plans for its first exhibition – Architecture of Life – in this location. The curvilinear structure, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro with EHDD as executive architect, fuses old and new, outfitting what was the UC Berkeley printing plant with modern exhibition space, offices, and theaters to make it a focal point in Berkeley’s downtown arts district.

More on the $112 million project after the break.

Courtesy of UC Regents. Rendering by Diller Scofidio + Renfro

Using the 48,000-square-foot Art Deco printing building as its framework, the new BAM/PFA pays homage to the past while updating the space to accommodate today’s needs. Adaptive reuse of the existing structure provides ample area for eight unique gallery spaces, while a new building will provide an additional 35,000 square-feet. The design further embraces its former life by preserving original features, such as the sawtooth roof for natural daylighting.

The new structure simultaneously creates its own dramatic presence and echoes the Art Deco tradition of its neighbor. Its stainless steel-clad curvilinear form speaks to the streamlined style of the 1930s printing plant, while its distinct lines create a cohesive language throughout the building.

BAM/PFA features two film theaters of varying sizes, a performance forum, cafe, several galleries, and gathering spaces. More individualized activities can be undertaken in the four art and film study centers, the reading room, or the art-making lab. With state-of-the-art acoustic and projection systems, the museum will engage the public with numerous film screenings, educational programs, performances, and art exhibitions.