field operations selected for presidio parklands project in san francisco

field operations selected for presidio parklands transformation in san francisco
all images courtesy of james corner field operations

a 13-acre bayfront site at san francisco’s golden gate is set to be redeveloped into a large public park, for which five selected landscape architecture offices submitted concept schemes for consideration earlier in 2014. it has now been announced that james corner field operations has been chosen for the ‘new presidio parklands project‘ design, with support from local architecture firm EHDD. the plan is formed by sweeping geometries that organize large expanses of manicured lawns, patches of wild grasses, multiple observation areas, and a variety of flexible settings to activate programming and community events.

to see all five of the design proposals considered for the presidio parklands site, see our previous article here.

a cantilevered bridge on the site’s west side

the transformation efforts involve the removal of an elevated highway (doyle drive) and the addition of at-grade tunnel roads covered by the new parkland site. it will also link with the adjacent chrissy field to the west and the presidio parade grounds inland. the landscape development, planned for completion in 2018, results from a partnership between the presidio trust, the golden gate national parks conservancy, and the national park service (NPS).

the bridge walkway looks out to the bay and golden gate bridge

field operations are well known for transforming the high line in new york city, and have also completed regarded public realm projects such as santa monica’s tongva park and ken gensler square, staten island’s fresh kills park, and philadelphia’s race street pier.

james corner, founder and director of field operations, remarks that he, ‘could not be more delighted with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I feel both honored and humbled by the challenge. this is an extremely significant opportunity for the people of san francisco to create a dramatic new legacy for future generations – a place where the presidio meets the bay, a place where the city can reflect back upon itself, a place where urban life meets the most amazing natural resources, unparalleled by any other city. through sensitive and thoughtful design, we can together create a beautiful center-point for new forms of community, engagement and interaction.’

curving geometries organize the parkland plan

upon the announcement of the winning scheme’s selection, craig middleton, the presidio trust executive director, states, ‘the new presidio parklands project has garnered the interest and excitement of some of the world’s most talented and creative design teams. field operations’ record of accomplishment, deep appreciation for the site, and commitment to engaging the community makes them an ideal partner for this magnificent opportunity.’

the site will link with the presidio parade ground inland as well as chrissy field to the west

while led by field operations, the ‘presidio parklands’ design team also includes EHDD, rockwell group, gregoire associates, magnusson klemencic associates, HR&A advisors, richard turner, perry & associates collaborative, and greenlee & associates.

wide pathways look out to the bay

the observation post is covered by an accessible and green sloping roof slopes

an amphitheater offers a place for outdoor performances

the terraced landscape is used freely for relaxation and picnics

walking paths cut through the east meadow

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