At 173,000 square feet, the LEED Gold-certified UCSF Nancy Friend Pritzker Psychiatry Building serves as the new home for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. Designed by ZGF Architects, with Perkins&Will as the exterior architect of record, the facility integrates clinical, educational, and research spaces to meet the diverse needs of its users.
RDH played a key role in addressing the building’s complex enclosure challenges. From the earliest stages, the team collaborated with the architects to provide building enclosure design assistance and facade consulting. One of the primary technical challenges involved detailing seismic movement joints between dissimilar cladding systems—allowing these critical transitions to accommodate the university’s seismic performance standards while aligning with the architectural intent.
The project also required precise waterproofing strategies to support below-grade spaces and to meet the University of California Seismic Review Board Tier One standards for water-tightness following a Design Basis Earthquake (DBE). RDH contributed targeted solutions that aligned seismic and waterproofing performance with broader design goals, supporting long-term durability and resilience.
The enclosure supports the building’s emphasis on transparency and openness. Extensive glazing connects occupants to the surrounding cityscape, while interior glass elements promote visual connectivity, creating a bright and welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and staff. A five-story atrium at the heart of the structure extends this sense of openness, linking interior and exterior space. RDH contributed to the integration of these features by providing technical guidance that balanced aesthetic goals with performance requirements.
RDH helped bring the UCSF Nancy Friend Pritzker Psychiatry Building to life. This groundbreaking facility sets a new benchmark for mental health care environments, combining technical precision with a commitment to improving the patient experience.
