California Academy of Sciences
The California Academy of Sciences was founded in San Francisco in 1853. It is one of the most prestigious institutions in the U.S. and one of the few natural science institutes where public engagement and scientific research occur at the same location. After the widespread destruction of the Academy's buildings during the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989, a competition for a new building was held, and RPBW was selected to develop the project. Our approach prioritized preserving as many existing structures as possible, achieving the highest levels of sustainability, and providing the institution with a meaningful architectural identity.
An Architectural Tribute to Nature and Heritage
Designing a prominent cultural and scientific institution in environmentally conscious San Francisco required an architectural language reflecting this shared vision. The new California Academy of Sciences combines the evocative spaces of the Museum of Natural History, a breathing green roof, and the integration of outreach and research activities. Through its design, the Academy conveys a deep passion for understanding nature and highlights the earth's fragility.
The current building stands on the Golden Gate Park site of its predecessor, which included 11 structures built between 1916 and 1976. Three of these—African Hall, North American Hall, and the Steinhart Aquarium—were preserved in the new design. Maintaining the original layout, the functions are organized around a central courtyard that serves as the entrance lobby and focal point. This courtyard is covered by a concave glass canopy with a reticular structure, resembling a spider’s web, open at the center to allow light and air to flow through.
A Living Roof That Blends Nature and Innovation
The California Academy of Sciences unites exhibition space, education, conservation, and research under one roof, including a natural history museum, aquarium, and planetarium. The building’s roofline reflects the diverse shapes of its components, forming a 37,000 sq. m complex that resembles a section of Golden Gate Park lifted 10 meters above the ground. This “living roof” hosts 1.7 million native plants in biodegradable coconut-fiber containers, blending seamlessly with the park's natural landscape.
Flat at the edges, the roof becomes undulating toward the center, forming domes of varying sizes, with the largest covering the planetarium and rainforest exhibits. These domes are dotted with automated skylights that open and close for ventilation. The combination of plant-covered soil and thermal inertia cools the museum's interior, eliminating the need for air conditioning in ground-floor public spaces and facade-facing research offices. This innovative design marries sustainability with functionality, further enhancing its connection to nature.
Sustainable Design Powering Innovation and Visitor Engagement
Photovoltaic cells are embedded between the two glass panels forming the transparent canopy around the green roof's perimeter. These 60,000 cells generate over 5% of the museum’s electricity needs. The project’s material choices, including 20,000 cubic yards of recycled concrete, 11 million pounds of recycled steel, and wall insulation made from denim scraps, were integral to its sustainability goals. Combined with optimal spatial orientation, natural lighting and ventilation, water usage strategies, rainwater recovery, and energy production, these efforts earned the museum LEED Platinum certification—the first for a museum.
The California Academy of Sciences hosts 1.4 million visitors per year.
Details on Foundation website
Project Details
Status
Client
California Academy of Sciences
Design
Renzo Piano Building Workshop in collaboration with Stantec Architecture (San Francisco), architects
Design Team
M.Carroll, O.de Nooyer (partners in charge) with S.Ishida (partner), B.Terpeluk, J.McNeal, A.De Flora, F.Elmalipinar, A.Guernier, D.Hart, T.Kjaer, J.Lee, A.Meine-Jansen, A.Ng, D.Piano, W.Piotraschke, J.Sylvester; and C.Bruce, L.Burow, C.Cooper, A.Knapp, Y.Pages, Z.Rockett, V.Tolu, A.Walsh; I.Corte, S.D’Atri, G.Langasco, M.Ottonello (CAD Operators); F.Cappellini, S.Rossi, A.Malgeri, A.Marazzi (models)
Consultants
Ove Arup & Partners (engineering and sustainability); Rutherford & Chekene (civil engineering); SWA Group (landscaping); Rana Creek (living roof); PBS&J (aquarium life support systems); Thinc Design, Cinnabar, Visual-Acuity (exhibits)
Environmental Certifications
LEED Platinum rating under the "New Construction" category, which focused on the building's design and construction process (2008)
LEED Platinum rating under the "Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance" category, which certifies that its day-to-day operations and business practices also meet the highest standards of sustainability (2011)