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.

Diller Scofidio + Renfro's Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive to Open in 2016 - More Images+ 5

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.

Courtesy of UC Regents. Rendering by Diller Scofidio + Renfro

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.

Courtesy of UC Regents. Rendering by Diller Scofidio + Renfro

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.

Courtesy of UC Regents. Rendering by Diller Scofidio + Renfro

BAM/PFA is scheduled to open in early 2016.

News via BAM/PFA, Bustler

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Cite: Holly Giermann. "Diller Scofidio + Renfro's Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive to Open in 2016" 02 Apr 2015. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/615626/diller-scofidio-renfro-s-berkeley-art-museum-pacific-film-archive-to-open-in-2016> ISSN 0719-8884

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