BIG selected for new mid-market arts building in san francisco

BIG selected for new mid-market arts building in san francisco
all images courtesy of BIG / bjarke ingels group

BIG/bjarke ingels group has been chosen by san francisco-based real estate development company group i to realize a mixed-use complex that includes residences, retail, arts space and theaters in san francisco’s mid-market arts district.

‘950-974 market’ will be located along market and turk streets, on an irregularly-shaped triangular piece of land that is currently home to vacant and underused buildings. the architectural scheme has been conceived to create a synergy between the cultural programs of the design. with an emphasis on communal areas, the hotel and residences are set to form two urban peaks that interlock at the ground to create an expansive plaza at their base — maximizing sunlight and framing a shared lobby that connects the site’s users. at their core, these volumes will be hollow and overlap to form two indoor urban zones — one for theaters, and the other for hotel guests. to ensure good circulation and access the new mid-market arts building will have a strong façade and street presence on all fronts offering multiple points of entry.

the 446,000 sqf (ca. 42,000 sqm) development is firm’s first project in the bay area.

hotel lobby

‘the selection of BIG, as our design partner, demonstrates the level of innovation and creativity we intend to bring to 950-974 market in both its physical and conceptual forms,’ said joy ou, president of group i.  ‘group i and its team are attempting to answer the question: how do you bridge the gap between real estate development, urban design, technology, arts and nonprofits, and community space in a dense and evolving urban environment?  950-974 market won’t be the only answer, but it is at the heart of the physical and philosophical intersection of these interests and may be one response to this important question. we were particularly impressed by BIG’s playful and innovative approach to the project site.  They understand that we’re trying to create a building that’s functional and iconic yet unconventional and alive,’ she continues.

model

‘this is will be our first project on the west coast and having traveled extensively to the bay area since moving to new york I am happy that we now get a chance to help develop such a significant site on market street. it is an unusual combination of a prime location with a landmark presence with a great potential for social and urban transformation‘. – bjarke ingels, BIG architects

site plan

ms. ou further explained, ‘we believe that BIG’s energetic approach, exceptional design talent, and social consciousness will bring international attention to san francisco’s emerging arts community and the rebirth of market street as not just the spine of the city, but its heart and mind, as well.  we are eager to continue to refine the design and engage the community in the process.’