CA State Capitol Visitor Center

Sacramento, California

The State Capitol Visitor Center was designed as a new 40,000-square-foot civic building located below grade at the front steps of the state capitol. Designed as the new public entrance, the center enhances accessibility while preserving the historic character of the site. It includes exhibit and event spaces, classrooms for civic education, landscaped courtyards, and two outdoor plazas that connect the building to its park-like surroundings.

Key design challenges addressed include historic sensitivity, universal accessibility, transparency, integrated security, net-zero energy performance, and environmental stewardship through the protection and enhancement of the capitol’s natural landscape.

Project Architect while at Mark Cavagnero Associates