UC Berkeley’s new AI-research building is designed for human interaction
At UC Berkeley’s new College of Computing, Data Science, and Society , an interlocking building of curved glass and sleek columns, the building has been designed so that the technologies of the future inevitably collide. The 367,000-square-foot building, named the Barbara and Gerson Bakar Gateway, was designed by the architecture firm Weiss/Manfredi in collaboration with Gensler . It has lecture…
The Barbara and Gerson Bakar Gateway, a 367,000-square-foot building designed by Weiss/Manfredi and Gensler, houses UC Berkeley's new College of Computing, Data Science, and Society. The interdisciplinary college, led by dean Jennifer Chayes, blends computer programming, robotics, and AI into one institution. Chayes, who previously worked at Microsoft, wanted a building that fostered human interaction and societal responsibility.
The architects incorporated massive public spaces, including five floors of social kitchens, cafeterias, and common areas, which comprise the majority of the building's square footage. These spaces encourage movement and spontaneous encounters between students, faculty, and researchers. The central atrium, surrounded by curving staircases, serves as a focal point for casual conversations and thoughtful contemplation.
With windows providing natural light and unobstructed views, the atrium is designed to promote connections between different floors. The building's overall design prioritizes connectivity and collaboration, embodying the college's mission to nurture compassionate, socially responsible professionals across a range of fields.
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