Meeting Information

Civic_Design_Committee

CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, October 20,  2008
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70

Minutes

Commissioners Present: John Kriken, Topher Delaney, Rene Bihan, Jeannene Przyblyski, Cass Calder Smith

Staff Present:   Nancy Gonchar, Vicky Knoop

Call To Order: 3:02 p.m.

Commissioner Przyblyski withdrew Item 1, the San Antonio Pump Station, from the agenda.

1. Anza Branch Library Renovation – Phase 2
   William Wong, DPW Project Manager for the Branch Library Improvement Project, gave a brief overview of the previous phases of review. He noted that the presentation will address the Commissioners' questions about the landscape plan and color scheme raised during the previous Phase 2 review. Mr. Wong introduced Roggerio Bittencourt, the Project Architect, and John Thomas, Landscape Architect. 
   
   Mr. Bittencourt presented a revised color scheme for the building. He explained that since the last review the red was removed from the window frames per the Commissioners' suggestion.
   
   Mr. Thomas explained that the public libraries have two full-time gardeners on staff and the Anza Branch Library would receive five to eight hours of maintenance per week for the new landscape plan. He added that the back area is not accessible except during special events and for staff use.  The current plan uses plants that do well in drought or dry shade and if any plants do not survive, a groundcover of beach strawberries will grow over gaps in the planting.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski asked about the trellis from the previous review. 
   
   Mr. Bittencourt responded that they removed the trellis and made an entry statement with the landscape.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Bihan asked about lawn and groundcover.
   
   Mr. Thomas replied that there is a reduction in the amount of lawn and some areas will be covered in mulch.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 2 of the Anza Branch Library: Commissioner Kriken.
   Vote: Unanimously approved. 
   
   

2. Visitacion Valley Branch Library - Phase 2
   Mr. Wong gave a brief overview of the previous Phase 1 review for the Visitacion Valley Branch Library and explained that the revised design responds to Commissioners' comments on the roof, windows, and materials. He introduced Andrew Maloney, Project Architect DPW BOA, and Brian Gatter, Landscape Architect, DPW BOA.
   
   Mr. Maloney presented materials samples for the stucco finish, trim, window sash, and two alternates for the roof, a terracotta tile and asphalt shingles. He explained that the exterior is integral color grey stucco in a heavy dash. On display were several samples close to the desired finish, but he was not able to bring the exact finish to this meeting. Mr. Maloney said the window sash is steel with dark green paint, and the gutters are copper. The security gates will be made of twisted 3/4 inch iron. He pointed out that the roof is engineered to hold the weight of terracotta tiles, but budget constraints prevent tile from being included in the bid package and it is currently an add alternate.  He added that the possibility is very strong that the tile roof will be picked up in the winning bid. 
   
   Mr. Gatter presented the landscape plan as a series of smaller gardens relating to the interior court.  The plan includes new street trees that frame the entrance to the library. The site is level and uses permeable paving materials to manage water runoff. The plant palette is low maintenance and generally drought-tolerant.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Delaney asked how the exterior would be lit.  
   
   Mr. Gatter responded that there would be some lighting from street lighting.
   
   Commissioner Bihan questioned the need for gates between the outdoor spaces.
   
   Commissioner Smith commented that it is important not to have the windows on the same level with the exterior wall.  He asked if the stucco would be in grey or white.
   
   Mr. Maloney said it would be natural grey with an eight inch smoothed band around the windows.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski commented that the dash finish doesn't need to be as textured as the samples for the building to present as a civic structure.
   
   Commissioner Smith commented that there is a legacy of Mediterranean buildings with smooth finishes and he was also unsure about the finish as presented
   
   Commissioner Delaney commented that the texture may cause cleaning problems considering graffiti and particulate matter in the air.
   
   Mr. Maloney explained that the desired finish would be more unique, like pebbles in relief.
   
   Commissioner Smith asked to see the smoothing around the windows drawn into the design.
   
   Commissioner Delaney commented that because the roof is such a large statement on the building, it is critical that it be terracotta tile.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski commented that the Commission is sending a strong message of support for the tile roof in place of the asphalt shingle roof, but does not want to hold up the project.  She suggested that the Committee write a letter of support to the Mayor's Office and the District Supervisor stating that, as it is the purview of the Civic Design Review Committee to oversee design excellence, it is the Committee's considered opinion that the library must have a terracotta roof, and that the project is in danger of not passing Phase 3 review without it. She asked staff to draft such a letter.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski added that the Committee needs to see samples of the stucco finish as it will appear on the building for Phase 3 review.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 2 of the Visitacion Valley Branch Library on the condition that the roof tile and stucco treatment be presented during Phase 3 review: Commissioner Przyblyski
   Vote: Unanimously approved
   
   

3. Chinese Recreation Center - Phase 1
   Mary Hobson, Project Manager, Recreation and Parks Department, explained that as part of the 2008 Clean and Safe Neighborhood park bond, a new three story recreation center will be built in place of the existing structure to serve the Chinatown area.  The new building will have a gym, multipurpose rooms, and outdoor children's space.  She introduced John Thomas, DPW BOA Landscape Architect and Mike Pierron, DPW BOA Project Architect. 
   
   Mr. Pierron explained that the project is located below Nob Hill on a the corner of Washington and Mason Streets, and the site is on a very steep grade.  It is a mostly residential area with the exception of the Cable Car Barn and Museum across the street.  The footprint of the building reflects the programming, with support functions in the basement, gym on the first floor, a large multipurpose room on the second floor, and smaller rooms for other uses.  He added that large windows cover the wall of the large multipurpose room with views to the bay, and there is a balcony on a lower level multipurpose room.  The building aims for a LEED Silver rating. He added that the public has been involved in the project through two public meetings to discuss programming and design.  The community commented that the building may look too industrial.
   
   Mr. Thomas presented the landscape plan and pointed out the location of the outdoor areas on the site and noted that they are directly accessible from the top floor multipurpose room. The outdoor area is divided into three play spaces: a school age area, a preschool area, and basketball court. The design includes raised planters, a small patio area and an overlook at the top of the stairs. The new play equipment includes a large net piece that is not used in any other playgrounds in Chinatown.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Tan Chow from the Chinatown Community Development Center presented a letter with proposed changes to programming and design of the Recreation Center.  He commented that there are concerns with the entrance design in context with the monumental arch of the Cable Car Museum across the street.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski thanked Mr. Chow for his comments and reminded the audience that the Committee does not have purview over the programmatic use of the building.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Bihan commented that the Recreation Center is neighborhood oriented and has a nice design, but he would like a lobby on the ground level to draw people into the building.
   
   Commissioner Delaney commented that there is often great convergence outside the current building and she would like the design to respond to that with its entry statement. She added that there isn't great space for exploration in the children's play area and she would like to see more unprogrammed outdoor space.
   
   Commissioner Kriken commented that he likes the project and would like to see a solution to the entryway that addresses the grade problem and the balcony. He added that he loves the transparency of the building but asked about window coverings for reducing glare or darkening the room. 
   
   Mr. Pierron commented that the sunlight will be from the other side of the building and there will be window coverings.
   
   Commissioner Smith commented that he would also like to see the corner building have a lobby entry for aesthetic and functional reasons.  He added that he isn't in favor of the curved balcony and that the building could look even more modern.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski commented that it is an interesting and challenging site and the entry on the corner should be celebratory to let people know it is a community space.  She added that she likes a civic building to stand apart from the neighborhood.  She reminded the design team to think about how Department of Recreation and Parks buildings will look in the 21st century.  She added that the design should have some way to darken the windows and should also create multifunctional play spaces. 
   
   Motion to approve Phase 1 of the Chinese Recreation Center with the condition that the entry way be revised and signage be presented in Phase 2:  Commissioner Przyblyski
   Vote: Unanimously approved.
   
   

4. San Francisco International Airport Terminal Two Renovations Project - Phase 1
   Commissioner Przyblyski commented that the Committee would only be reviewing Phase 1 at this meeting and not Phase 1 and 2 as posted in the agenda.
   
   Ray Quesada, Project Manager, Bureau of Design and Construction, SFO explained that the project is to update Terminal Two and the massing and form of the building will not be greatly modified in this redesign.  He explained that Terminal Two closed in December of 2000 when the new International Terminal opened. With the growth in traffic from Virgin America, Southwest and Jet Blue, the project was bid as a design build with Turner Construction and Gensler. Mr. Quesada introduced Terrance Young from Gensler.
   
   Mr. Young explained the decision-making process and that there are economic constraints on the project. The scope is to covert the old international terminal into a new domestic terminal for the three carriers. The tenant guidelines will follow design criteria and the building will be LEED Silver rated. He said that a goal of the project is to create an extension of the City of San Francisco with a design to last for the next fifteen to twenty years until the next redesign. By changing the parking positions of the aircraft, the air side of the terminal has enough space for more gates and for people to sit near the gates.  The current exterior is plaster with a strip window, and the main retail space is a double story with high windows for natural light. The new exterior will be smooth metal panel with new floor-to-ceiling glass to replace solid plaster walls. Mr. Young said all of the existing exterior will be patched cleaned and repaired. He noted that the tower office building will be relocated in the next five to ten years, but is not in this scope of work.
   
   Mr. Young stated that on the land side of the structure, the large stucco wall will be replaced with conceptualized colored art glass and gradiated glass allowing views into the building. The design team is working with the Arts Commission to find an artist for this project.
   
   Susan Pontius, San Francisco Arts Commission Project Manager, commented that there are two finalists creating proposals for how to address the glass screen.
   
   Mr. Young explained that they will remove the half hemisphere that is currently along the entrance to the terminal and will clean up the corners with a new smooth metal skin.  The identification of the terminal will be in large letters on blue above the entry to the terminal.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.  
   
   Commissioner Kriken asked about the relationship of the family of buildings in the airport.
   
   Mr. Young responded that the International Terminal is the jewel of the airport and the materials chosen for the Terminal Two redesign reflect those in the International Terminal. 
   
   Commissioner Kriken asked if the all terminals in the future will have metal and glass.
   
   Mr. Quesada replied that there are no current plans to renovate Terminal Three, but Terminal One may have a similar aesthetic in the future.
   
   Commissioner Bihan commented favorably on the art glass facade and commended integrating public art into the design.  He added that the International Terminal has such a big global feel, that it is important that Terminal Two has its own unique feel, which he believes is accomplished in this design.
   
   Commissioner Delaney said that the large signage is great and would like to see more directional signage at ground level with time information for transportation between terminals.
   
   Commissioner Kriken commented that one of the most powerful views of the airport is as you are landing by plane. He said he would like to see something graphic and identifiable on the air side of the terminal.
   
   Commissioner Smith agreed with Commissioner Kriken and added that from the air side there is no problem with the design competing with the International Terminal.
   
   Mr. Young replied that budget constraints make it difficult to put much attention to the air side and the focus has been on the land side.
   
   Commissioner Smith commented that the roofline could be modified to a more elegant form without much expense.
   
   Mr. Young replied that one of the add alternates is to remove the stepped roofline.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski commented that she liked the signage on the land side.  She added that for Phase 2 the project team should create civic expression on the air side of the building.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 1 of the San Francisco International Airport Terminal Two Renovations Project: Commissioner Przyblyski
   Vote: Unanimously approved
   
   

5. San Francisco International Airport Secure Connector - Phases 1 and 2
   
   Mr. Quesada gave an overview of the project and reviewed the Commissioners' concerns from previous meetings. He introduced Michael Shanus, KPA Group, and Harry Overstreet, Gerson/Overstreet.
   
   Mr. Shanus explained that the connector will have 90% of its traffic in one direction. He presented contextual photos and materials, and he explained that the design had been reworked from the 2005 review due to site constraints from an underground utility tunnel, a roadway and connection points to both terminals.
   
   Mr. Overstreet commented that this is an air side facility and the general public will not be able to see it.  He explained that the walkway will have a similar visual language to the surrounding buildings. The design is as simple as possible.  
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
   Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Delaney expressed great displeasure with the quality of the architecture and the resistance of the design team to consider revisions to a mediocre structure.
   
   Commissioner Smith commented that this is a lost opportunity for the architect.
   
   Motion to approve Phases 1 and 2 of the San Francisco International Airport Secure Connector: Commissioner Przyblyski
   
   In Favor: Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Kriken, Commissioner Przyblyski
   Opposed: Commissioner Delaney, Commissioner Bihan
   
   

6. SFMTA Cable Car Ticket Kiosk - Phase 1
   Gail Stein, SFMTA Project Manager, explained that the Cable Car Ticket Kiosks will replace the existing small kiosks in two locations, Hyde Street and Powell Street at Market. She explained that this is an extension of the Transit Shelter project. She introduced Olle Lundberg and Ryan Hughes of Lundberg Design.
   
   Mr. Lundberg explained that he was asked to develop a design in keeping with the general aesthetic sense of the bus shelters.  While the bus shelters are sculptural and playful forms, the kiosk uses galvanized steel and is intended as a background object. The design uses translucent glass, brushed stainless steel, and infill panels of natural cleft slate.
   
   Mr. Hughes added that the design includes a bench, natural ventilation, operable louvers, and non-operable windows for security concerns. 
   
   Commissioner Kriken asked about signage and ad panels.
   
   Mr. Lundberg replied that there is one ad panel and signage will be across the top of the windows.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Kriken commented that the galvanized steel may not be right for the kiosk's surroundings and suggested that the design team explore color options.
   
   Mr. Lundberg responded that the galvanized steel ties into the bus shelters on Market Street and can easily be touched up.  He added that the window glass and slate color will add interest and color; it is an intentionally industrial design.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski commented that the surrounding area is warmer in color and asked if they had considered bronze for the kiosks.
   
   Commissioner Kriken suggested they take the purpose and context of the building into consideration for the design. 
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski asked if the kiosk is about the Cable Cars or about SFMTA.
   
   Commissioner Delaney commented that the design is heavy handed and does not have a clear expression or speak to San Francisco tourism.
   
   Mr. Lundberg replied that it is reasonable that the kiosk is heavily fortified because it functions to receive money in an area of challenging security.  He added that color could be reconsidered.
   
   Commissioner Smith commented that he likes the kiosk as an object but isn't sure what it is expressing.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski commented that the kiosk has no identifiable reference or expression.  She suggested that it could possibly look like a little lantern at night. If the design is expressing something else, such as SFMTA, Cable Cars, or San Francisco tourism it should emphasize that more clearly.
   
   Commissioner Przyblyski advised the project team that the Committee will be looking into the context, siting, signage, and approachability during Phase 2 review, and these elements should be carefully considered.
   
   Motion to approve Phase 1 of the SFMTA Cable Car Kiosks: Commissioner Przyblyski
   Vote: Unanimously approved.
   
   

7. The meeting was Adjourned at 6:17 p.m.
   

Revised 10/30/08 vmk