N. Embarcadero Waterfront
Goal:
The North Embarcadero waterfront is a 1.2 mile ribbon located on the San Diego Bay. It is a place marked by dynamic forces and natural phenomena: changing colors of water and sky, fog, mist and wind. KATZ Architecture was brought in to design a series of structures that enhanced the natural surroundings and drew a connection with the vibrant downtown district two blocks away.
Process:
Working closely with EEK Architects, KA developed a vocabulary of tensile fabric structures applicable to a variety of scales from large civic outdoor public spaces to bus stops and kiosks. Central to the theme of these forms was movement, lightness and playfulness. In strategically locating these structures, the design defined a series of similar episodes along a large area of previously unrelated experience. With a team of consultants, native plant materials and indigenous stones were chosen to reflect the local color and changes in season.
Result:
The design satisfied a variety of programmatic requirements, enhanced the natural surroundings and served to connect the City and the Bay.
Moral:
Its good to be connected.
