Projects

University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry
What does it take to convert an outdated office building into a new urban campus?

Using non-linear analysis to get the most out of the existing structure, this 1970’s office building is being transformed into a modern, urban campus with classrooms, conference rooms, and a stylish new exterior.

Customized Solution

  • Formerly used as an office building and data center, this 350,000 s.f. 7-story, steel-framed building with one level of underground parking is being renovated to become the new home for the UOP Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, plus two floors of market-rate office space. Offices, clinics, classrooms, a large auditorium, small conference rooms, new elevators, and escalators for University staff and students will be included in the extensive renovation.
  • Non-linear response history analysis has played a key role in determining how this tall building would perform in a large seismic event if much of its existing components remained. By using as much of the existing building possible, the project team significantly reduced the seismic retrofit cost so those funds could be spent elsewhere.
  • In order to insert a large new auditorium on the ground floor of the building, pairs of steel transfer trusses were inserted on the second floor to allow the removal of two columns. Per our design, the trusses were loaded and the columns were cut with almost no temporary shoring required.
  • The current window-wall exterior is being replaced, and a reworking of the building’s entry to make the entrance more visible, accessible, and inviting to pedestrian traffic is being executed.

Highlights

  • Architect: SmithGroupJJR, General Contractor: Plant
  • Owner: University of the Pacific
  • Steel framed with moment frames
  • Significant use of non-linear analysis
University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry

Team

University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry

Allen Nudel

Director of Business Strategy

University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry

Russell Berkowitz

Principal

University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry

Masume Mansouri Dana

Principal

University of the Pacific Dugoni School of Dentistry

Mei Kuen Liu

Senior Associate