text: The California Academy of Sciences is a sustainable building located in Golden Gate Park. Its green roof has rolling hills covered with 1.7 million native plants that help keep the building interior cool. A polycarbonate retractable roof nestled among the rolling hills allows light into the piazza below while protecting the space from rain and cold. In favorable weather conditions, the retractable roof provides a 42 by 30-foot opening, turning the piazza into an outdoor area.
  The staff of Uni-Systems Engineering designed, supplied, and installed the structure and electro-mechanical drive system for the California Academy of Sciences retractable roof. The new weather-tight panels, which replaced an existing fabric shade, allow the academy to offer programs and house exhibits in the piazza atrium, making it a more usable space that fits better with with the green building design aesthetic.