Re-imagining San Francisco's Pier 70 Building 12 Through the Lens of Environmental, Historical, and Social Challenges

Abstract

Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent order for local jurisdictions to proceed with “immediate sweeps” of homelessness encampments brought new urgency to the conversation on homelessness in the Bay Area. In light of this recent decision and current developer-driven renovation of the Pier 70 Area by Brookfield Properties, this research project proposes transforming San Francisco’s historic Pier 70 Building 12 into a sustainable homeless shelter in order to address the complex social issues that arise with San Francisco’s severe housing crisis and its implications on thousands of displaced families who lack the adequate resources to get by. The design proposal includes in-depth research of local context such as community sentiment, historical relevance, green building practices, and social needs of the San Francisco Bay Area, connecting them to a design that is appropriate and relevant to Pier 70. Building 12 is currently being developed by the Port of SF and Brookfield Properties, and their plans will be considered alongside other design proposals in order to make the design responsive and part of the conversation surrounding this site. The paper resembles a written research report with a significant visual component, including three plan diagrams and an interior view of the proposed design.