Masonry Magazine March 1973 Page. 31
Psychology Building
Sacramento State College, California
Architect: Richard L. Lewis; Nacht & Lewis, AIA
Structural Engineer: Rumberger-Haines
General Contractor: Harbinson & Mahoney
Mason Contractor: Townsend & Schmidt
The 70,000-square-foot Psychology Building at Sacramento State College has been named to receive a Masonry Design Recognition award for "Excellence in the Use of Unit Masonry" by the Masonry Institute of Northern California.
The principal exterior material is concrete block, a fluted, split-face masonry unit specifically designed for the Psychology Building by the Hokanson Building Block Co. of Sacramento. The textured surface creates an unusually interesting effect. The concrete spandrels were cast in place and have a sandblasted finish. The total result is a virtually maintenance-free masonry and concrete exterior surface which blends comfortably with the existing buildings on campus.
The building is closely related to the new library and the existing Music Building, and has been sited with considerations being given to the exterior spaces defined by these structures and the related pedestrian circulation patterns. The principal axis of the Psychology Building conforms to that established by the library with the basic shape creating a receptive form for the pedestrian circulation generated by the library. Analysis of the eductional program determined that the building requirements fell into two distinct categories: 1) laboratories, research and special use rooms, and 2) offices and classrooms.
The laboratory is a three-story unit, windowless, except for small portions of the corridors, and with relatively long spans to accommodate large spaces. The office and classroom element of the building is a five-story structure designed principally to house faculty offices. All have outside windows and simple direct interior circulation.
The central service core provides direct internal circulation between the basic elements of the building and houses rest rooms, elevators and mechanical shafts. The form of this masonry building and the architectural treatment of the basic elements is generated solely by the various functions being housed. The exterior of the office element conforms to the pattern established by the plan. It creates a highly manipulated silhouette which provides visual interest and affords considerable sun protection for the interior spaces. Sun control, so necessary in the Sacramento Valley, thus becomes an integral part of the building form rather than a mechanical addition to it. The insulating qualities of masonry are also an important factor under these climatic conditions.
The Psychology Building was completed September, 1971, at a cost of $2,383,000.
masonry • March, 1973