return to life in
sf
San Francisco's Strong architecture; combines with a diverse
culture to generate a unique experience. The city's numerous
districts call out individual identities offering their
own interpretation of life. Various nationalities, talents
and lifestyles contribute to the diversities found here.
The architecture is an element of control. The city is
bound together through a common rhythm found on each street
in the building's facade. At the same time, the architecture
adds to sense of diversity found within the city.
It can be said that almost anything goes. From street festivals
to galleries, San Francisco has a high degree of diversity.
Early October brings the Folsom Street Fair where the
latest latex fashion is displayed. While walking down
the city streets, numerous galleries are tucked between
shops. Exploring these galleries reveals various expressions
others accomplish through a variety of techniques. Computer
graphics to clay sculpture capture the capacity for opinion
within the city. Moving between districts again exposes
one to the ever?changing and diverse cultures present
here. Walking in Chinatown, people seem frantic in the
stores, on the street and crowding into buses. A few blocks
away, cafes invite the passer to stay and enjoy a bittersweet
taste and quiet seat. The Financial District, with its
towering buildings, has a dual sense. Overwhelming the
pedestrian with huge masses while, at the same time, offering
a human scale. Open plazas offer running water, flowers
and a seat along with an environment which escapes the
towering buildings.
Encompassing the diverse culture, San Francisco's architecture
presents a unifying element. A strong pattern establishes
order to streets which encompass such strong diversity.
Through careful city planning, every building conforms
to a tradition of character. The accomplishment is experienced
street by street as a rhythm is echoed from building to
building. Even the towering skyscrapers conform to standards
which respect both the sky and pedestrian environments.
Amid this structured form, elements exist which architecturally
contribute to the city's diverse culture. Near San Francisco's
MoMA, a new foam initiates itself. The architecture is
freer and speaks of the strong culture within the city.
Street lights and building foam initiate a different language
for the city of strong pattern. Yet tucked within the
alley of a retail area one finds a historical treasure
still in use. A Frank Lloyd Wright building is undergoing
another transformation to conform to a new gallery. This
type of reuse along with new construction demonstrate
both ideologies coexisting within the city.
-barbara queen
