Livermorium Plaza
Livermore, CA
Where science, community, and design come together
GATES Studio led the design and implementation of Livermorium Plaza, a new civic space in downtown Livermore that honors the city’s scientific legacy while creating a welcoming destination for community gathering. Built on the former Mills Square Park site, the plaza commemorates the discovery of the Livermorium element, named after the City and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.
This project was completed in 2022.
A Closer Look
The atom-inspired layout features a five-foot granite water ball fountain symbolizing the nucleus, surrounded by 116 engraved or tiled markers set within seven stainless steel rings to represent protons. Educational elements—including inlaid plaques, engraved text, and interpretive signage—invite visitors to engage with the story of Livermorium and its local significance.
Other key features include broad shade trees, drought-tolerant landscaping, a turf area with curved seat walls, outdoor café seating near Peet’s Coffee, and a preserved historic brick wall that forms a stage backdrop for public events. A shade study guided the placement of trees to maximize comfort, while integrated lighting and security features help ensure the space is safe and active day and night.
From Ideas to Realization
Illustrative concept site plan and perspective rendering (below)
A shade study ensured that the proposed trees maximized shade for the plaza
Project Details
Lit plaza and signage at night
Seatwalls with custom "LV," which is the element code for Livermorium
Plaza view facing the historic Bank of Italy building at the intersection of First Street, which now houses The Independent newspaper
The central interactive granite water ball fountain, which is engraved with educational text about the history of Livermorium
Preserved historic brick wall and turf bordered by curved landscape walls, which include a commemorative plaque
Colored lit "protons" surround the central water feature
View of the plaza from the intersection at First Street
Rings and lights demonstrate the structure of the element