KP Berkeley Medical Offices

A striking new medical office building becomes a welcomed new neighbor and offers Berkeley residents a local option for health care.

Kaiser Permanente has almost 60,000 members in Berkeley but until recently the nearest medical facilities were in other cities, a gap in access they wanted to fill. Consistent with their mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of communities, Kaiser Permanente wanted a building that created a sense of ease for their members and reduced the stress of seeking medical care. The new medical center provides a community access point for primary care, OB-GYN services, pediatrics, mental health care, lab work, and a pharmacy, with a striking yet approachable design that engages the neighborhood from all directions.

Engaging the street

The building design was tailored to the existing context of the surrounding neighborhood, creating both public and private outdoor spaces for passersby, visitors, and employees. The L-shaped building massing rotates on each level and keeps the San Pablo Avenue frontage at two stories, while the full three stories are evident on Parker and Tenth Streets. This twist creates strong spatial moments, allows for outdoor terraces and a green roof on the second floor, and leaves space for two public pocket parks at ground level.

The east façade street frontage is two stories, with volumes and material choices that relate to the adjacent single-story buildings.

Welcoming the community

The twist in the building's geometry carves unique outdoor spaces, including roof terraces for medical staff and ground-level pocket parks that engage the public.

Daylight brings the outdoors in

The building's design ushers in natural light, blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, and provides an approachable and friendly addition to the neighborhood. The overall result is a calming, comfortable space that complements the ease of care that Kaiser Permanente strives to provide for its members.