The new UCSF Wayne and Gladys Valley Center for Vision combines a 5-story ophthalmology clinic and research center with a 12-story administration tower. The 340,000 sq. ft. reinforced concrete structure was completed using a design-build delivery model in combination with lean construction principles to maximize overall project value. The project team embraced performance-based design with a focus on functional recovery for multiple natural hazards, including earthquakes, wind, storm surge, and sea-level rise. The result was a balanced design that achieved the UCSF’s resilience goals within the stipulated sum price.

Customized Solution

• During schematic design, nonlinear analysis was used in combination with the FEMA P58 methodology to evaluate anticipated repair costs for various options under increasing seismic hazard levels. Combined with cost data for each option, UCSF selected the option that will allow the building to achieve functional recovery within a few months after a Magnitude 7.0 earthquake on the San Andreas Fault. The resulting design was awarded a LEEDv4 credit for Design for Enhanced Resilience.
• To offset the cost of the seismic improvements, F|E collaborated with UCSF and the D/B team to develop alternate criteria that would provide cost savings while maintaining a high level of durability and adaptability. By changing the floor system to post-tensioned concrete and optimizing the vibration criteria, F|E was able to save nearly $500k from the structural cost. Aligning the mat slab geometry to balance the handling and off-haul of soil across this site saved an additional $300k.
• F|E collaborated closely with the D/B team to ensure the cladding systems and details aligned with the seismic performance goals while meeting the desired aesthetics. By providing a single drift joint line at each level and thoughtfully addressing corner conditions, the seismic performance of the cladding was dramatically improved without increasing costs.