Waterfront Development at Pier 27 San Francisco

Vidhi Patel is a master thesis student at the Academy of Art University – San Francisco, USA, her graduation project was Waterfront Development at Pier 27 San Francisco. The project combines between simplicity and deep analysis associated with the area , in addition to her vibrant imagery & graphics. More from Vidhi after the jump.

Courtesy Of Vidhi Patel

A state of constant change that is the site, has various distinct conditions of state transition that can be observed through program shifts and their spatial equations. The idea of this project is to understand this transitional nature of the site and its users and allow it to inform the Pier 27 San Francisco site development.

Pier 27 San Francisco: Shifting grids and linear volumes of space allow for change in spatial quality of the voids. The voids get charged with function with possibility of change to allow for more deflection. The process is ongoing and conditions of change occur everywhere. Level modulation, landscape manipulation, edge breakdown, user variability, access control and several other factors form the basis for this project that are tied together or interconnected.

Courtesy Of Vidhi Patel

The naked site of Pier 27 San Francisco adjacent to pier 29 is filled with a variation of spatial needs and functional requirements waiting to be visually tied together. The second skin – in this case the carbon reinforced sail cloth – not only visually binds the project but is also functionally relevant as it is a visual, light and wind filter. The site is set to host the AC 34 and the laminate skin pays homage to the event. This building skin envelope the design as it emerges for the landscape, deflecting in its path as it covers partially the walkable roof to meet another intricate junction.

The design process and the resultant project is an instigator not just to harness the state of constant change but understand it as various moments of pause. The strength of architecture may lie in its ability to offer momentary pause. “In a world predicted on movement and flows, the power of architecture may be in its ability to give pause” – Bernard Tshumi. Digitally generated renderings offer some of the conditions of constant movement and moments of pause.

The architecture of the project is a result of my constant inquiry and this project one captured moment of pause.