Ground Water
Candlestick Point, San Francisco, CA
A masterplan for Candlestick Point focused on the continually evolving solid-void interaction of water and ground. We propose the design of an “urban scaffolding” that grows out of the site’s history, and provides the structural framework for an adaptive response to sea level rise. Within the discussion of convenience and inconvenience as the catalyst of this studio, our masterplan allows sea level rise to be seen as an asset rather than a hazard. Through design, how can the inconveniences of sea level rise be not only mitigated, but rather transformed into new modes of convenience for future urban living?
The master plan begins with the current street grid, salvages burried ships under San Francisco, and repurposes the vessels as integrated elements of a distributed network of archaeology museums. They stretch out into the bay like the continuous extension of wharfs during the Gold Rush. In the 1800s, ships were sunk to claim new land, and now they are used as a way to claim new land from sea level rise. Visitors experience the hull from above, alongside, within, and below as they navigate through the museum cabins and engage with the changing waterfront. Views out over the bay and back towards Bayview Hill constantly change as the museum begins to be submerged, and the flooded steps provide opportunities to engage with versus retreat from sea level rise.
