Design
2000 - 2005
Construction
2005 - 2008
Site area
43000 m2
Total area
41000 m²
Height
19,3 m max
11,3 canopy
Floors
3 + 2 basements
Roof
18302 m2, 60000 photovoltaic cells producing 213000kWh energy (around 5% of the builing)
Awards and certification
LEED Platinum
Client
California Academy of Sciences
Architect
Renzo Piano Building Workshop, architects in collaboration with Stantec Architecture (San Francisco)
Consultants
Ove Arup & Partners (engineering and sustainability); Rutherford & Chekene (civil engineering); SWA Group (landscaping); Rana Creek (living roof); PBS&J (aquarium life support systems); Thinc Design, Cinnabar, Visual-Acuity (exhibits)
General contractor
Webcor Builders
Date Author Title
Subject
Schooner Academy. It was used by scientists until the late Nineteenth century in the summer, to collect new plant and animal species in the Galapagos rather than in Madagascar, while in winter it docked in San Francisco, becoming a museum
Date
-
Image Code
Sfr_580
Author
-
Copyright
California Academy of Sciences
Subject
Historical image of the building damaged by the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake
Date
(1989)
Image Code
Sfr_599
Author
-
Copyright
California Academy of Sciences
Subject
Explanation of the green roof used for the new building
Date
-
Image code
Sfr_113
Author
-
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
Mock-Up of the green roof
Date
-
Image code
Sfr_123
Author
-
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
Mock-up of the green roof
Date
-
Image code
Sfr_120
Author
-
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
Construction phase of the roof
Date
2007
Image code
Sfr_166
Author
-
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
Construction phase of the roof
Date
2007
Image code
Sfr_165
Author
-
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
Construction phase of the roof.
Date
2007
Image code
Sfr_172
Author
-
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
Construction phase of the roof.
Date
2007
Image code
Sfr_153
Author
-
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
Construction phase
Date
-
Image code
Sfr_199
Author
-
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
Construction phase of roof with photovoltaic panels
Date
-
Image code
Sfr_200
Author
-
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
"Spider web", a delicate steel structure that covers the Piazza. During the day, its reticular structure opens to allow the air in for ventilation and at night, when the temperature drops, the mesh closes
Date
-
Image code
Sfr_206
Author
-
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
"Spider web", a delicate steel structure that covers the Piazza. During the day, its reticular structure opens to allow the air in for ventilation and at night, when the temperature drops, the mesh closes
Date
-
Image code
Sfr_207
Author
-
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
One million seven hundred thousand species were planted on the roof of the museum, all placed in "trays" of an organic material that disappear and become ground after rooting
Date
2007-04-18
Image code
Sfr_179
Author
-
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
The species planted on the roof of the museum have been placed in "trays" of an organic material
Date
2006-07
Image code
Sfr_143
Author
-
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
Roof detail under construction
Date
2007-05-25
Image code
Sfr_176
Author
-
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
Roof detail under construction
Date
2007-06-07
Image code
Sfr_191
Author
-
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
The building before, during and after the reconstruction
Date
-
Image code
Sfr_214
Author
Terpeluk, Brett
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
Aerial view illustrating the hills on the new Academy’s living roof
Date
2008-10-01
Image code
Sfr_530
Author
Fox, Tom_SWA Group
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
View of front entrance (towards South)
Date
2008-09-27
Image code
Sfr_464
Author
Ishida, Shunji
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
East side view
Date
2008-09-01
Image code
Sfr_391
Author
Tim Griffith Photographer
Copyright
Tim Griffith Photographer
Subject
View towards north - Entrance to research and administration functions
Date
2008-09-01
Image code
Sfr_506
Author
Lehoux, Nic
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
Steinhart Columns - The original entrance to Steinhart Aquarium was recreated, including the popular Swamp tank, which will house alligators and alligator snapping turtles
Date
2008-09-01
Image code
Sfr_414
Author
Lehoux, Nic
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
View of the Piazza which is open at the center, is a key part of the building’s natural ventilation
Date
2008-09-01
Image code
Sfr_379
Author
Tim Griffith Photographer
Copyright
Tim Griffith Photographer
Subject
View of a portion of planetarium - The 90-foot planetarium dome is cantilevered out over the Philippine Coral Reef - the world’s deeest living display of corals
Date
2008-09-01
Image code
Sfr_385
Author
Tim Griffith Photographer
Copyright
Tim Griffith Photographer
Subject
View of Rainforest - Visitors meet rainforest residents from Borneo, Costa Rica and the Amazon
Date
2008-09-01
Image code
Sfr_381
Author
Tim Griffith Photographer
Copyright
Tim Griffith Photographer
Subject
Living Roof detail - Skylights in the roof allow sunlight to reach the living rainforest and coral reef. They also open automatically to allow heat to escape
Date
2008-09-27
Image code
Sfr_431
Author
Lee, Justin
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Subject
Detail of living roof (aerial view)
Date
2008-10-01
Image code
Sfr_534
Autore
Fox, Tom_SWA Group
Copyright
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Title
Site plan
Scale
NTS
Date
2000-2008
Drawing number
-
Drawing code
SFR_DW_006
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
Overall Roof Plan
Scale
1/16"=1'-0"
Date
2005/11/23
Drawing number
A2.0.006
Drawing code
SFR_DW_181
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
3D Geometry Roof
Scale
NTS
Date
2005/11/23
Drawing number
A3.1.001
Drawing code
SFR_DW_022
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
Overall Building Elevations
Scale
1/16"=1'-0"
Date
2006/05/10
Drawing number
A3.0.001
Drawing code
SFR_DW_020
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
Elevatione Music Concourse - North Elevation
Scale
3/32"=1'-0"
Date
2008/01/01
Drawing number
-
Drawing code
SFR_DW_181
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
Elevation Shakespeare Garden - West Elevation
Scale
NTS
Date
2005/05/05
Drawing number
-
Drawing code
SFR_DW_003
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
Elevation Middle Drive - South Elevation
Scale
NTS
Date
2005/05/05
Drawing number
-
Drawing code
SFR_DW_002
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
North South building section
Scale
3/32"=1'-0"
Date
2008/01/01
Drawing number
-
Drawing code
SFR_DW_179
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
North - South Building Section
Scale
NTS
Date
2007/05/15
Drawing number
-
Drawing code
SFR_DW_001
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
East West building section
Scale
3/32"=1'-0"
Date
2008/01/01
Drawing number
-
Drawing code
SFR_DW_178
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
Interior Section Rain Forest
Scale
1/4"=1'-0"
Date
2006/02/04
Drawing number
A5.2.001
Drawing code
SFR_DW_048
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
Roof Details skylights
Scale
1"=1'-0"
Date
2005/11/23
Drawing number
A8.4.040
Drawing code
SFR_DW_149
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
Interior Section Planetarium
Scale
1/4"=1'-0"
Date
2006/07/07
Drawing number
A5.3.001
Drawing code
SFR_DW_053
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
Section of glass canopy with photovoltaic cells
Scale
1/4"=1'-0"
Date
2008/01/01
Drawing number
-
Drawing code
SFR_DW_182
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
Canopy details typical
Scale
as indicated
Date
2005/11/23
Drawing number
A8.4.001
Drawing code
SFR_DW_073
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
Piazza Skylight Details
Scale
as indicated
Date
2005/11/23
Drawing number
A8.4.010
Drawing code
SFR_DW_144
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
Enlarged North/South Lobby facade - Window wall details
Scale
1-1/2"=1'-0"
Date
2003/12/19
Drawing number
W2-04
Drawing code
SFR_DW_160
Author
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Copyright
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
Title
Roof geometry study model
Date
2002-03-01
Model Code
SFR_MD_002_T
Scale
1/32"=1'-0"
Model Author
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Title
Roof massing study model
Date
2003-01-01
Model Code
SFR_MD_003_T
Scale
1/32"=1'-0"
Model Author
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Title
Conceptual model
Date
2000-09-01
Model Code
SFR_MD_030_T
Scale
1/32"=1'-0"
Model Author
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Title
Ground floor bas relief
Date
2000-11-01
Model Code
SFR_MD_014_T
Scale
1/20"=1'-0"
Model Author
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Title
Ground floor study model
Date
2002-05-02
Model Code
SFR_MD_013_T
Scale
1/20"=1'-0"
Model Author
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Title
E-W Section on aquarium and rainforest
Date
2000-11-01
Model Code
SFR_MD_006 a-e_F
Scale
1/8"=1'-0"
Model Author
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Title
E-W Section on aquarium and planetarium
Date
2001-04-01
Model Code
SFR_MD_007a-e_F
Scale
1/8"=1'-0"
Model Author
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Title
E-W Section on planetarium and rainforest
Date
2002-03-12
Model Code
SFR_MD_005 a-e_F
Scale
1/8"=1'-0"
Model Author
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Title
Ground floor with transparent roof model
Date
2003-01-01
Model Code
SFR_MD_076_T1
Scale
1/16"=1'-0"
Model Author
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Title
Piazza presentation model
Date
2004-07-23
Model Code
SFR_MD_070_T
Scale
1/4"=1'-0"
Model Author
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Title
Coconuts nest
Date
Model Code
SFR_MD_040_T
Scale
1'-0"=1'-0"
Model Author
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects
Title
Jeans insulation
Date
2008-01-01
Model Code
SFR_MD_024 B_T
Scale
1'-0"=1'-0"
Model Author
RPBW - Renzo Piano Building Workshop Architects