Headline

WRT was selected by the University of California, Berkeley to develop a physical master plan for the Richmond Field Station, an academic and research facility located six miles northwest of the UC Berkeley Campus.

Given stiff competition for the project, WRT distinguished itself through an extensive understanding of Richmond's planning context, research-based urban design, and the unique ecological potentials of the site , balancing existing conditions with both the university's and the city's aspirations for the surrounding district.

"UC Berkeley is a premier institution, and this site holds a lot of potential to create a unique collaborative environment for some of the world's top scientists involved with UC's research programs," said WRT Principal Jim Stickley, who is leading the project. "We'll help the university capitalize on the inherent attributes of the site to create a unique and identifiable framework where growth can occur flexibly and incrementally."

"We recognize this is an opportunity to create a unique research-based community that addresses a wide range of collaborative and sustainable issues," said Adam Glaser, senior project designer. "Ideally, growth on the Richmond Field Station site will transform this area into a creative economy hub that attracts premier research and commercial partners to the Richmond waterfront."

WRT's work will include analysis of the existing site and proposed options for its development. In addition to a physical vision for the site, the master plan will also include real estate analysis and strategic planning, a site management plan, and a transportation connectivity plan. Other issues will include site remediation, vegetation management, bayside land issues, and sustainability.

WRT's previous experience includes involvement in a number of planning and design assignments throughout the UC system including the LEED Platinum-rated Bren School of Environmental Science at UC Santa Barbara. The firm also worked on the award-winning, newly-renovated, LEED Gold-rated Richmond Civic Center complex.