Civic_Design_Committee
2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, September 19, 2005
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70
Minutes
Commissioners Present: Andrea Cochran, Leonard Hunter, Jeannene Przyblyski
Absent: John Kriken, Beverly Prior
Staff Present: Richard Newirth, Nancy Gonchar, Rommel Taylor
Call To Order: 3:10 p.m.
- Joseph Lee Recreation Center
Phase 2
Brook Mebratu, project manager, DPW BOA, explained that the scope of work for this project included seismic upgrade of the gymnasium, construction of a new multipurpose recreation center and a new park. Mr. Mebratu stated that there are three existing murals on the current facility. All three murals were slated for demolition, but based on an updated structural assessment of the gymnasium, only one of the three will be demolished. Mr. Mebratu introduced John Thomas, landscape architect, DPW BOE, Landscape Division, to present the design.
Mr. Thomas stated that the existing site configuration has the park on the eastern facade of the building. He stated that the new design would create a generous park along the southern side of the building. The new park would be facing a main street and a new public plaza. Mr. Thomas explained that the floor plan had been revised. The entry to the building has been raised two feet and requires steps and a new ramp. He stated that this was the only modification to the floor plan since the Phase 1 approval. Mr. Thomas said that the exterior colors would be earth tones. Site furnishings consist of painted metal benches and one table with three chairs. The seating surface of the benches would be natural finished wood. The perimeter of the site would be bounded by a painted metal picket fence. Mr. Thomas introduced Victor Talatala, project architect, DPW BOA, to present the building design.
Mr. Talatala explained that there was a 14-foot grade change from the front to the back of the site that presented a challenge to the landscape architect. The landscape concept creates a meandering path that gracefully negotiates the grade change. Mr. Talatala stated that the roof design had been altered from the previously approved Phase 1 scheme. The barrel vault roof had been eliminated due to budget constraints and replaced with a flat roof design. Mr. Talatala said that the southern façade of the gymnasium has also been modified. Originally there were three bays of windows. One bay of windows has been removed to allow for the addition of new shear walls. Translucent window panels will be used instead of transparent glass in order to mitigate glare on the interior basketball courts. He explained that this modification also allows the design team to save the Dewey Crumpler mural along the southern façade.
Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
Richard Newirth, Director of Cultural Affairs, Arts Commission, stated that two of the three murals made by Dewey Crumpler would be saved based on this new design. Mr. Newirth thanked Mr. Mebratu for his efforts to save the mural.
Commissioner Hunter asked if saving two out of the three murals was acceptable to Mr. Crumpler.
Mr. Newirth explained that Mr. Crumpler's opinion had varied over time.
Mr. Hunter asked how much damage would be done to the mural being saved during construction.
Mr. Mebratu said that all of the seismic work would be conducted from the interior of the building and that they did not anticipate any damage to the mural due to construction.
Mr. Hunter requested confirmation that the rhythm of the metal picket fence would be as shown in the elevation and perspective drawings.
Mr. Thomas stated that concrete columns would separate sections of the metal fence as shown in the drawings.
Commissioner Cochran stated that the design had progressed nicely since the Phase 1 presentation, and that the color selection was satisfactory.
Commissioner Przyblyski asked if the furniture selected was consistent with furniture being used in other parks. She stated that there should be a clear identity for the City's public parks.
Mr. Thomas explained that the same manufacturer was being used, but the styles are different depending on the location.
Motion to approve Joseph Lee Recreation Center Phase 2: Przyblyski
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Mission Bay P-18 Pump Station
Phase 1 & 2
Amy Neches, project manager, Redevelopment Agency, summarized the scope of the project. Ms. Neches introduced Amy Eliot, Principal, Tom Eliot Fisch Architecture, to present the design.
Ms Eliot stated that the revised design celebrated the pump station as an integral part of the urban landscape. The materials selected were chosen to evoke a simple and elegant industrial aesthetic. Ms. Eliot stated that the programmatic components were separated into two buildings instead of a single structure. The exterior building materials will be opaque channel glass, metal finishes and ceramic glazed tile. She explained that the tile will be a vertically stacked bond. Ms Eliot introduced Sarka Volejnikova, landscape architect, Cliff Lowe Associates, to present the landscape design.
Ms. Volejnikova stated that the design goal was to create visual parks rather than occupiable space. The primary features include four berms covered with colorful planting. There will also be two small public plazas, one at the entry of the BOSA residential development and the other at the southeastern corner of the site. Ms. Volejnikova said that concrete pavers similar to those used at Park P-16 will be used for the plazas. She explained that the form of the pump station roof provided an opportunity for a seasonal water feature. Rainwater runoff will spill into a small channel that runs along the northern and western façades of the building.
Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Hunter said that the tile was a good choice in terms of aesthetics, durability and maintenance.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that she liked the form and material of the building. She also commented that she was happy that the tiles were locally produced. Ms. Przyblyski commented that the use of a seasonal water feature was a good design choice. She also stated that she would like to see signage that described the function of the building.
Commissioner Cochran commented that she was pleased with the revised architecture. She felt that the landscape design was improved since the last review. Ms. Cochran recommended that the landscape designer consult with a horticulturist regarding the Artemisia Powis Castle as it tends to stop producing leaves after three years. She also recommended that they confirm that the type of cedar tree being used is not prone to disease.
Motion to approve Mission Bay P-18 Pump Station
Phase 1 & 2: Cochran
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Mission Bay P-6 and P-15, Structures and Buildings
Phase 1
Jacinta McCann, principal, EDAW, presented the overall design ideas for Parks P-12 through P-15. She stated that the design for Parks P-12 and P-13 was being shown for information only and that Park P-15 has structures that require Arts Commission approval. Ms. McCann explained that the idea with Parks P-12 and P-13 was to create a series of outdoor rooms. The rooms are defined by several grassy berms with bisecting curved pathways. Park P-15 will be a flat grass-covered open space with five architectural features: a public plaza with tables and seating, a kiosk building, a pump station, a water feature and a pergola. Ms. McCann introduced Amy Eliot, principal, Tom Eliot Fisch Architecture, to present the designs for the buildings.
Ms. Eliot explained that the kiosk building would house public restrooms, storage for custodial equipment and space for a retail operation. She said that the components, architectural form and materials are similar to the pump station at Park P-18.
Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Hunter stated that the rectilinear design of the kiosk building seemed very static in relation to the pitched roof of the pump stations. He said he would like to see a more dynamic roof form. Mr. Hunter asked why the plan for P-15 was so formal in comparison to the more radical landscape forms in P-12 and P-13.
Ms. McCann said that the parks adjacent to P-15 on the east side are very formal in plan. P-15 acts as a transition between the traditional design of P-16 and P-17, and the dynamic design of P-12 and P-13.
Commissioner Hunter asked about the effects of wind in the public plaza.
Ms. McCann stated that the majority of the wind transmission would be mitigated by the surrounding architecture, and that the street trees would provide additional wind protection.
Commissioner Przyblyski expressed concern that the public will want to use the water feature as a wading pool or bathtub. She asked if the feature is designed to encourage public access.
Ms. McCann explained that the water will be very shallow. The plane on which the water will travel will have a slight texture as well. She said that it will be okay for the public to run their hands across the water, but the feature is not designed for walking or standing.
Commissioner Cochran said that she liked the overall design of the landscape of all three parks. Ms. Cochran expressed concern about the effect of wind in that area on the public plaza and the open space at P-13 and P-12. Ms. Cochran felt that the trees at the public plaza would not provide enough wind protection. She said that she didn't feel that the height of the berms in P-13 and P-12 would provide any protection at all. She recommended that a wind study be conducted.
Ms. McCann said that a wind study had already been conducted.
Commissioner Cochran also expressed concern about the structural system of the water feature and whether it would resist any natural subsidence.
Ms. McCann stated that the project has not been detailed yet, but the engineering team would factor that issue into the final design.
Cheryl Barton, principal, Office of Cheryl Barton, presented the design for P-6 Children's Park. Ms. Barton explained that the design of the park was based on the bayside wetlands and the maritime history of the area. She explained that these themes would be interwoven into various park elements that provide both visual and interactive spaces. Ms. Barton explained that a major design feature is a series of paths that links the park to the surrounding neighborhood. A public plaza will be located at the southwest corner of the site. The plaza will have standard Mission Bay benches as well as cafe tables and chairs. The park would also provide play areas for multiple age groups. These play areas would have unique play structures that encourage both imaginative and physical play. Ms. Barton explained that another element of play would be fostered by the various water and planted habitats in the park. She said that highlighting the natural world was an integral theme of the design. Ms. Barton explained the wind would be celebrated with a series of slender poles with windsocks. The primary path through the park will be lined with nautical-themed lighting and will be bounded on one side by a narrow water feature.
Motion to approve Mission Bay P-6 & P15 Structures and Buildings
Phase 3: Cochran
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Skyview Aquavista Pump Station
Phase 1
Continued to October meeting.
- Marina Branch Library Renovation
Phase 2
Marilyn Thompson, program manager, San Francisco Public Library, briefly reviewed the history of the project. Ms. Thompson introduced Bobbie Fisch, principal, Tom Eliot Fisch Architecture, and Mark Schatz, principal, Field Paoli Architects, to present the design.
Ms. Fisch said that bringing the building into code compliance was the primary scope of work. She said that the only exterior modification was to create a small addition to compensate for the reduction of useable space in the interior from the new accessible restrooms.
Mr. Schatz explained that the addition was placed near the front of the building to minimize the impact on park space.
Ms. Fisch stated that the materials for the addition are brick, wood and metal accents.
Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran expressed concern that the tree selected for shade at the eastern portion of the site would be too small.
Ms. Fisch said she would consult with the landscape architect to specify a more appropriate tree.
Commissioner Przyblyski stated that the design was satisfactory.
Motion to approve the Marina Branch Library Renovation Phase 2: Hunter
Vote: Unanimously approved
- Portola Branch Library
Phase 1
Marilyn Thompson, program manager, San Francisco Public Library, explained that the project design had been reviewed and accepted by the Library's peer review panel. She said that the community also supported the design. Ms. Thompson introduced Chris Knoll, principal, Knoll & Tam Architects, and Susannah Meek, principal, Stoner Meek Architects, to present the design.
Mr. Knoll explained that this was a new building located at the corner of Bacon Street and Goettingen Street in the Portola neighborhood. Mr. Knoll explained that there were some specific concerns voiced by the community and Library Commission. He said that the current design reflected those concerns. The concept for the exterior was to minimize the direct visual access from the neighbors’ vantage point while still allowing natural light into the library. He said that the facade alludes to images of open books. The primary exterior finishes would be stucco, tongue and groove wood boards, glass and metal finishes. A muted color palette was chosen to blend with the architecture surrounding the site.
Commissioner Cochran opened the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Cochran closed the floor to public comment.
Commissioner Przyblyski said that she was concerned about how the building faced the street along the southern façade. She commented that it was not very generous in terms of visual access. Ms. Przyblyski said that she felt the location of the entry was not obvious. She said that she was very happy with the design along the northern façade. Ms. Przyblyski said that the creation of an outdoor space that faces the parks was a very good design move.
Ms. Thompson said that the community was very adamant about minimizing the visual access into and out of the building. She stated that the Library Commission actually wanted more windows as well.
Commissioner Hunter agreed with Commissioner Przyblyski regarding the southern façade. He said that the concept of the open book as an architectural form was expressed too literally in the building design. Mr. Hunter said that the façade felt monumental. He recommended that the architects look at the scale and monolithic qualities of the elements along the southern façade. Mr. Hunter commented that the wrapping of the identification sign was a good architectural gesture.
Commissioner Cochran said that southern façade had a very hard edge and was too opaque. She said that in general she liked the design of the building but would like the architects to study the southern façade from an urban design standpoint. Commissioner Cochran recommended that the team come back next month prepared for a Phase 1 and 2 presentation.
- Portrero Branch Library Renovation
Phase 1
Continued to October meeting
- Broadway Streetscape Phase II
Phase 1
Continued to October meeting.
- New Business
- Adjournment: 6:00 p.m.
Revision Date 10/13/05
