Knowing Housing

Knowing. Knowing what role we play in society, knowing who we are, knowing what happens within the envelope of a building, knowing what becomes that building. This investigation into the realm of a live/work, mixed-use building in the Hayes Valley district of San Francisco lead to the discovery that patrons and citizens of San Francisco are not afraid to show who they are or what role they play in society. All too often we mask ourselves with false facades and fronts. Our buildings have become a direct reflection of ourselves. Ornament. Which lead to an undressing of ornament and falsities in this exploration. What is steel is steel, concrete is concrete. This mixed use building not only intends on celebrating the very materials that become it, but encourage a celebration of sorts in discovery. Discovering the performance and importance of structural, environmental, and sustainable layers and systems. As well as a discoveries in a societal way through encouraged neighbor interaction through the careful placement of lofted exterior common spaces.
The entire building with a subdued pedestal which aims to imitate and reflect the environment around it, the intervention slides seamlessly into the site. A wrapping skin which mimics our very own skin by offering protection from the elements and echoes the important processes that leaves of a tree perform. [The collection of solar energy and water harvesting] These systems and many more combine to create and educationally valued structure that performs well in its given climate and aims to inspire and intrigue others to want to explore and gain knowledge on sustainable urban housing.