David Brower Center
Berkeley, California


The David Brower Center, named to honor David Brower who is considered one of the founders of the modern environmental movement, is a non-profit environmental and social action center housing like-minded organizations. The building combines both offices and program facilities under one roof.

Auerbach Glasow French provided architectural lighting design services for the public spaces, the 180-seat Richard and Rhoda Goldman Theatre, the Hazel Wolf Gallery/Atrium Lobby, conference and meeting rooms, exterior courtyard, entries and office lighting standards. Daylighting is used extensively in all office areas and Auerbach Glasow French worked closely with the daylighting consultant and electrical engineer to ensure that the specification of the electric lighting interfaced with the daylighting control strategy. Other sustainable practices included the use of 53% recycled materials, photovoltaic panels and solar shading devices.

The various flexible meeting and event spaces at the Center can be configured for medium or small groups. High efficiency, dimmable fluorescent lighting is used as the primary source throughout these spaces. Adjustable, low voltage dimmable spotlights highlight art and speaker podium locations. Solid state lighting (LEDs) are reserved for special features such as the woven wood ceiling in the second floor lobby.

The project received a United States Green Building Council - Northern California, Green Team Award and was one of the first buildings in the Bay Area to receive a green building rating of LEED Platinum, the highest designation available from the U.S. Green Building Council.


Client: Oxford Street Development
Architect: WRT/Solomon E.T.C.
Acoustics: Charles Salter Associates

Photography: Tim Griffith

David Brower Center