Firm： Gensler

Type： Commercial › Office

STATUS： Built

YEAR： 2013

Photos： Joe Fletcher Photography (1)

Originally built in 1917, the building has seen multiple renovations and additions over the years. The client's goal was to re-imagine the identity and potential of the building in response to the fast growing tech market, while respecting the buildings' unique history. Therefore the design challenge was to stitch the architectural and aesthetic eras together seamlessly, creating a place that would ultimately serve both the tenants and community. The result is a building that has been crafted into a vibrant urban office building with exceptional gathering and outdoor spaces.

A soaring atrium is front and center of the newly renovated 888 Brannan building in San Francisco's SOMA neighborhood. What was once a dated and dim space with painted over windows has now become vibrant and full of energy. The designers stripped the existing atrium down to its bare bones and constructed a multi-functional community space that accommodates everything from large gatherings to intimate lunches and impromptu work sessions. A geometric green living wall plays up the North elevation of the building and gives respite to the industrial feel of the interior. Much needed outdoor space was incorporated at the former loading dock and includes a public courtyard which creates an enjoyable place to work or connect with others, and provides pleasant views for the building tenants and the neighborhood. 888 Brannan is a reflection of the evolution of San Francisco's South of Market Neighborhood. The historic building has adapted in both form and function to accommodate the neighborhood's shifting identity and the needs of the burgeoning tech companies flocking to the city.