heatherwick studio proposes 'the cove' for san francisco's waterfront

the first images have been revealed of a new waterfront destination in san francisco designed by heatherwick studio. the project, titled ‘the cove’, would see the redevelopment of piers 30-32, which burned down 36 years ago. the site, currently used as a parking lot, would be transformed into a mixed-use workplace campus with a publicly accessible park. designed to be as flexible as possible, the site could accommodate single or multiple tenants, as well as various retail and dining offerings for the community.

image by wire collective (also main image)

the plans have been shared by the project’s development team: earthprise, led by executive director art thompson, and sares|regis. designed by heatherwick studio, led by thomas heatherwick, the horseshoe-shaped project comprises modular shed-like structures that stretch out over the water. the roof pitches of the 26 individual building modules vary, almost imperceptibly, to simulate a subtle water wave-like profile on the horizon.

image by wire collective

at the heart of the scheme, a central plaza is capable of hosting a variety of activities. meanwhile, the landscape runs right down to the water with a floating wetland and boardwalk. the team adds that the cove’s calm protected water could be used for a variety of different programming, including swimming or other aquatic activities. a floating stage or cinema screen could turn the park into an informal amphitheater.

image by heatherwick studio

the project also responds to pressing environmental considerations. ‘an innovative PV shingle roof and mass timber construction are just the start of our sustainability vision,’ says the team. ‘the cove is a resilient all-electric, net-zero carbon, net-zero energy, net-positive water community. it’s a dynamic new type of public space that can be a platform for a number of community focused functions, including markets on the plaza, a floating stage transforming the park into an amphitheater, smaller boat slips around the perimeter or occasional, larger deep water vessel mooring along the bay edge.’

image by heatherwick studio

if the plans are approved, and work can begin on site relatively soon, the project would be scheduled to complete in 2026. read more about the plans on the cove’s dedicated website here.

image by heatherwick studio