On October 3, 2006, AIA San Francisco reopened in a new, state-of-the-art home located within the historic Hallidie Building. (Click here to view the events in our monthlong celebration.) The new home will serve as a demonstration “sustainable project” to educate architects and the general public about the advantages of sustainable design. Featuring improved acoustics, multiple exhibition spaces, and conference rooms, the space also houses the new Center for Architecture + Design.

VISION
Since 2002, AIA San Francisco has significantly increased public outreach and member services. The chapter now hosts more than 50 events and meetings each month. This robust programming schedule has greatly challenged the adequacy of acoustics, heating, ventilation, electrical and technology systems within the existing office space. Currently more than 1,000 people participate in AIA San Francisco programs each month, and it is anticipated that this number could double once the new office reopens. Located on the sixth floor, the renovated 5,700-square foot office in the historic Hallidie Building will have more flexible space with an increased capacity for exhibits, programs, and a more welcoming face for the public as well as AIA San Francisco members.

INCORPORATING GREEN DESIGN
Due to the high interest of AIA San Francisco members in promoting sustainable design to clients, the AIA San Francisco Board of Directors required that our new home incorporate green and sustainable design principles. Architect Alfred Quezada, Jr., AIA, has been authorized to register this project with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and to begin the process toward LEED certification. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System® is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings that emphasize state-of-the-art strategies for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality. Since few LEED certified buildings are publicly accessible, AIA San Francisco’s new home will be a leader and will serve as a showcase for architects to demonstrate green design principles to clients. Sustainable features will be visible throughout the space, including carpet and furniture that will be educational tools for professionals and their clients. Currently, the project is registered for LEED-CI certification and will include innovative new strategies to address the primary systems and remediation issues associated with thermal comfort and sound improvement within the current sixth floor space.