SFO @ Technology Center

The Mixed-use complex is located in a parcel of 268,597 SF, facing the San Francisco Bay and divided by a drainage channel connected to the bay.
Given the site location and its restrictions the design team has defined development strategies addressing the zoning requirements and other agencies demands (BCDC, Corps of Engineers, Water District and FAA)

Design Premises:
1. Maximize the outdoor spaces in direct connection with the San Francisco Bay by creating an opening exceeding 50% of the parcels linear frontage along Bay shore Hwy.
2. Following BCDC requirements there are two different kind of open spaces: The Public ones, with unrestricted access along the Bay and its connection with the Bay shore Hwy, and the Semi-Private ones directly related to the building occupants but still part of the general landscape.
3. The uses located at the Ground Floor (Retail, Restaurant and an office/commercial space such as a bank or health facility) will encourage pedestrian traffic while encouraging exposure to the Bay shore Hwy frontage.
4. The main vehicular access to the site (following the Traffic Consultant analysis and recommendations) has been located directly across the street from the Hyatt Hotel main access. Two additional minor accesses have been proposed at the North and the South of the property.
5. The project complies with the assigned FAR (0.9) for this parcel. The landscaped central courtyard contains outdoor semi-covered gathering areas (around a fire pit) surrounded by translucent walls to avoid interruptions to the Bay view corridor.
6. As indicated in our contextual rendering the building does not exceed any of surrounding building heights) Given the mass configuration the building is stepping down at both ends , making it even less imposing by providing a large ground floor gateway and the light treatment of the upper floors.
7. BCDC claims jurisdiction over the uncovered portion of the drainage canal therefore the building design is creating to buildings (A & B) separated by the canal width and only connected by the façade screen.
8. Sustainable Principles: The building and landscape design are celebrating sustainability.
The building façade is proposed to be covered with a glassy Photovoltaic Panels that in addition of solar panels to be installed at the roof levels will charge the solar batteries located at the Mechanical room, providing enough energy for all public areas, water fountains and enclosed circulation spaces.
The landscape design and plants’ selection follows the drought tolerant principles.