ATTENTION: Weekend Assignment Desks and Technology Reporters

19 September 2002
Contact: Sarah Yang, Media Relations
(510) 643-7741

WHAT:
A rededication ceremony for the Hearst Memorial Mining Building at the University of California, Berkeley. The event caps a four-year seismic retrofit and renovation project of the 95-year-old landmark. After the outdoor ceremony, invited guests will go indoors for exhibits, lectures and demonstrations about the building's history, its extensive overhaul, and the cutting-edge science and engineering research to take place there.

WHEN:
1:15-4:30 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 22

WHERE:
Hearst Memorial Mining Building, UC Berkeley.

WHO:
Speakers include Robert M. Berdahl, chancellor of UC Berkeley, and A. Richard Newton, dean of the College of Engineering.

BACKGROUND:
Exhibits include:

* Blunting the Blow of a Major Quake: Researchers explain the base isolation technology used for the Hearst Memorial Mining Building. First floor, east side stairs, 2-4 p.m.

* Lawson Adit: See the entrance of a shaft - now closed - that was actually used in the past by UC Berkeley engineering students to study mining techniques.

* New Materials for a New Millennium: Ronald Gronsky, professor in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering, discusses the innovative research that will take place in the building. Homestake Mining Auditorium, 2:30-3 p.m. and 3:30-4 p.m.

* If Walls Could Talk: Brendan Kelly, senior associate with NBBJ Architects, discusses the design of the building. Homestake Mining Auditorium, 3-3:30 p.m. and 4-4:30 p.m.

* Sensing Our Environment Through Smart Dust: Professors Kris Pister and Paul Wright demonstrate how a network of cheap, tiny sensors can exchange information about temperature, body movement or power usage, and help firefighters navigate their way through smoke-filled buildings. Room 290, 2-4 p.m.

* Tele-Actor Project: Associate Professor Ken Goldberg allows guests to collectively guide the movements of a "remote" human equipped with cameras and microphones that are connected to a wireless digital network. Room 290, 2-4 p.m.

A press release about the reopening of the Hearst mining building is available here.