Gregory Bateson Building       

Originally constructed in 1981 under California State Architect Sim van der Ryn, the Gregory Bateson Building was a pioneering example of sustainable design, featuring passive cooling and low-energy strategies. Over 40 years later, CannonDesign, McCarthy Building Companies, and the California Department of General Services (DGS) completed a transformative renovation via one of DGS’s first progressive design-build projects, modernizing the building’s performance while preserving its historic character. 
 
The exterior facade was preserved, with a new rainscreen, weather barrier, high-performance insulation, and low-E glazing improving thermal performance. Inside, the entire building’s infrastructure was overhauled, including new HVAC, plumbing, life safety systems, vertical transportation, data and power. The soaring atrium remains with its original fabric tubes used for passive airflow joined by a high-volume, low-speed fan to enhance comfort without compromising character. 
 
While the building’s historic character was carefully preserved, its workspaces were reimagined to support varied work styles and wellness, featuring collaborative coffee areas, flexible meeting zones, and outdoor respite spaces. On track for LEED Platinum and net-zero energy certifications, the building continues its legacy as the leading edge of sustainable, human-centered design.