The key approach to energy reduction was creating a design that incorporates passive strategies. Berkeley is blessed with great weather and abundant sunshine, which allowed the design team to focus on designing a high-performing, energy-efficient structure that leverages both natural ventilation and solar access with daylighting and renewables.
There are extensive daylighting models. All artificial lighting is tied to lighting panels and daylight sensors. In the library the lighting was designed to be task-based versus spatial illumination.
Photo © David Wakely, courtesy of Berkeley Public Library
