From Sfchronicle · · 1m 20s
Embarcadero Park Pavilion Design Fails
San Francisco's new Embarcadero Park pavilion looks like an airport bus shelter, not a creative urban space.
In brief
San Francisco's new Embarcadero Park pavilion looks like an airport bus shelter, not a creative urban space. San Francisco's Embarcadero Park pavilion design by HOK lacks creativity and urban relevance, missing opportunities for community connection. Originally reported by Sfchronicle.
Embarcadero Park Pavilion Design
HOK unveiled four designs for a new pavilion at Embarcadero Park in San Francisco.
Modest Scale Pavilion
The pavilion is 85 feet long and 40 feet tall, meant as a public passageway and outdoor performance stage.
Airport Bus Shelter Vibe
One design looks like an airport bus shelter, lacking visual interest or connection to the city.
Dated Design Options
Two other designs feature swoopy white forms reminiscent of 1970s spirograph toys.
Corporate Focus
The Downtown Development Corp. board includes CEOs like Meg Whitman, prioritizing speed over creativity.
Missed Creative Opportunity
The pavilion design ignores community feedback on skateboarding, civic engagement, and the Vaillancourt Fountain.
Alternative Designs Exist
Surfacedesign created stormwater-managing gardens at Mission Bayfront Park using repurposed materials.
Better Urban Examples
Chicago’s Cloud Gate and New York’s rotating art installations offer more creative public spaces.
Call for Improvement
The city should rethink the Embarcadero Park design to better connect with community and city identity.
The headline
San Francisco's Embarcadero Park pavilion design by HOK lacks creativity and urban relevance, missing opportunities for community connection.
