Pritzker Hall stands at approximately 125,000 sq ft with eight above-ground floors and three subterranean ones. It houses research laboratories, dry laboratories, classrooms and faculty offices.
The primary objectives of CO Architect’s designs were to improve the building’s seismic stability and energy efficiency. Often, seismic updates involve plates and posts to add external bracing. However, the team worked with UCLA’s Engineering department to pursue a more discreet alternative: viscous dampers. Functioning as shock absorbers, 40 purpose-built dampers were strategically added to the building’s six above-ground floors. Energy-efficient LED lighting was added throughout.
The entrance and lobby were modernised by improving their accessibility and adding informal study spaces. A new media wall in the lobby displays Psychology Department research and events.
CO Architects and their team earned LEED Platinum certification for the project; the highest-available level of green-building design.
Pritzker Hall was originally designed by influential black architect Paul Revere Williams, in 1967 as Franz Hall Psychology Tower. Williams’ architectural intentions were retained, including the second floor’s exposed structural waffle slab. The existing damaged marble walls and terrazzo flooring were not demolished but were sensitively covered with new compatible materials.