The Weill


Neurosciences Building at UCSF (page 10). Photo courtesy of Tim Griffith


Set on a busy area


of the UCSF Mission Bay campus, the Weill Neurosciences Building is surrounded by buildings on three sides and a busy street on the fourth. Photo courtesy of Kyle Jeffers


SmithGroup and Mark Cavagnero As- sociates, and UCSF early in the process to help plan the design and provide con- structability input, working closely with DPR, the owner and the architect team. The end result? It is a project packed with “systems, equipment and advanced features that are both beautiful and tech- nical,” according to DPR project manager Cory Abbe.


Te facility features half research, half clinical spaces and is equipped to support specialized laboratory work. Te MEP scope included 10 large air handlers; installation of a 1.5-megawatt rooftop generator; complex lighting controls and building management systems and a 6,000-gallon fuel tank designed to keep the building in full operation for up to 48 hours in the event of an emergency; and a state-of-the-art fire and smoke control system. As challenges arose during the proj-


ect, the MEP team worked together to determine which solutions would work best for this project. For instance: • A catwalk was designed and


constructed above the top floor research spaces, which required detailed modeling to ensure all valves and controls could be reached easily by facility managers and resolve MEP system clashes before field construction could occur.


• Energy Use Intensity models were created evaluating both the systems and the envelope would meet the University’s goals for efficiency.


• Teamwork with the architects was key to developing high-performing systems necessary for the labs and medical spaces while meeting the high architectural standards for the project including high ceilings, low noise, and beautiful aesthetics.


• Extra care had to be taken to allow for the ability to wash down some of the laboratory spaces to accommodate their intended use.


Addressing Complex Challenges Te atrium smoke control system is one of the building’s most complicated fea- tures. It incorporates six smoke exhaust


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022


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DPR self-perform work (SPW) crews undertook $60 million of trade scope on the project, including all concrete, drywall, ceilings, frames, doors, and hardware. Self-performing such a large portion of work on the massive concrete structure not only helped control quality, but also improve on- site safety and productivity.


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