Meeting Information

Civic_Design_Committee

CIVIC DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE
Monday, July 19, 2004
3:00 p.m.
25 Van Ness Avenue, Suite 70

Minutes

Commissioners Present: Andrea Cochran, Barbara Stauffacher Solomon, William Meyer

Absent: Rod Freebairn Smith, Jeannene Przyblyski

Staff Present: Richard Newirth, Rommel Taylor


Call To Order: 3:15

1. Laguna Honda Hospital Replacement Project Phase 3
   
   Arts Commission staff reported that there had been no design changes since the Phase 2 Approval.
   
   Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Meyer closed the floor to public comment.
   
   
   Motion: Stauffacher-Solomon
   Vote: Unanimous
   
   
2. The Living Classroom at McLaren Park- Phase 1 & 2
   
   Andrea Traber, Andrea Traber Architecture and Sustainability, described the project history and scope.She stated that the project is a partnership between Literacy for Environmental Justice (LEJ) and the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department(SFRPD). Ms. Traber explained that the project was originally sited at Heron's Head Park in the Southeast sector of San Francisco. The original site was under Port Authority jurisdiction and had received all necessary approvals except for the final building permit.At that time the project construction documents were at 90% completion. Due to various site constraints it was determined that the project could not be sited at Heron's Head Park.
   
   Ms. Traber said that the new site is located in McLaren Park at the Wilde Overlook. The project is situated within the McLaren Park Master Plan and has obtained Environmental Exemption from the San Francisco Planning Department.
   
   Ms.Traber explained that the building is designed to be a living classroom that supports small student groups participating in LEJ's project based learning environmental education programs. The building will also be used for community based classes and events. Ms. Traber stated that the building is approximately 1,425 square feet with 1,500 square feet of adjoining exterior space. The traditional one room classroom inspires the aesthetics of the building.  The building is situated on the site so that exterior spaces will be protected from wind exposure and to maximize views of the bay. The building envelope and structure is designed to be an example of sustainable building practices. The building will use green materials in the structural systems, envelope and finishes both interior and exterior. She also added that the roof would be a living roof planted with native vegetation. She stated that she anticipates a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating of high silver.
   
   Commissioner Meyer opened the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Meyer closed the floor to public comment.
   
   Commissioner Cochran asked who will maintain the roof if it needs service.  She stated that she liked the idea of a living roof, however was very concerned about its application on a public building in regards to long-term maintenance.
   
   Jenn Sramek, Project Manager for LEJ stated that LEJ would be responsible for maintenance for the first 10 years then the City would be responsible for maintenance.
   
   Ms. Traber stated that the roof would be planted with a very thin soil bed and would use seedling plants that are drought resistant.  She said that the roof shouldn't require very much maintenance.
   
   Commissioner Cochran asked if there was a more developed landscape plan.
   
   Ms. Traber answered that a landscape designer would be brought on at a later stage.
   
   Commissioner Cochran stated that she wanted to see the design of the post at the front porch.Also, the color scheme needed to be studied further.
   
   Commissioner Stauffacher Solomon stated that she did not like the color and materiality of the building. She felt there should be more contrast in the colors. She also stated that she would like to see a simpler roof form.
   
   Commissioner Meyer agreed with Commissioner Solomon that the roof form needs to be studied further. Mr. Meyer stated that the team should come back with a revised design.
   
   
   
3. New Business
   
   Rommel Taylor, Civic Design Program Associate, reported on a meeting convened by the Department of Public Works on July 19,2004 to discuss the placement of Surface Mounted Facilities (SMF) in the Public Rights-of-Way. The meeting focused on developing a design competition to address the aesthetics and functioinality of SMF. This was an initial brainstorming meeting that included representatives from several city departments, San Francsico Beautiful, and various private companies that currently have projects with the city. Further meetings are being scheduled to develope the specific technical criteria and guidlines for the competition.
   
   
4. Adjournment 4:00
   

Revision Date 07/28/04