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UCSF Genentech Hall, a new biomedical research and teaching building at the University of California San Francisco's new Mission Bay campus, opened in January. Designed by the San Francisco office of SmithGroup, the new five-story, 434,000-sf facility is the first structure to be completed on the 303-acre Mission Bay campus. Once fully occupied, the building will house approximately 900 faculty, students, and staff. Unique to the facility is the fact that it locates graduate-level studies and health sciences research close to local industry, in the middle of the urban center.

The entire building supports collaborative interaction. An outdoor amphitheater and adjoining plaza encourage informal social contact. Lounge/conference spaces on exist on every floor with commons rooms and kitchens. Instructional areas include a 261-seat lecture auditorium and seminar rooms. Administrative offices, a library, and a bookstore are accompanied by logistical support spaces including areas for environmental health and safety and facilities and materials management.

The building will contain research programs in structural and chemical biology and molecular, cell and developmental biology. It will also house the Molecular Design Institute and the Center for Advanced Technology. All functions are located above grade due to existing soil conditions. The 43-acre UCSF Mission Bay campus transforms land once occupied by old warehouses and rail yards.

Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Partnership served as exterior design consultant on the project.