Salesforce Transit Center Space Frame Construction
Architectural Space Frame Key To Transbay Transit Center’s Reshaping Of Downtown San Francisco’s Landscape
Architect
Date
Placement of the exterior awning began in April 2016 and was completed in 2017
Project Highlights
An innovative, architectural space frame structure was essential in crafting the lacy awning of the Transbay Transit Center, a visionary project reshaping the landscape of downtown San Francisco. The awning, which spans approximately 3,000 feet in length and soars 44 feet high, wraps the four-block perimeter of the new multimodal transit center. The modern, graceful, decorative structure was designed by architectural firm Pelli Clarke Pelli with collaboration from mathematical physicist Sir Roger Penrose. The exterior wall’s undulating surface curves in two directions, which presented fabrication challenges. By using its System III architectural space frame technology, DSI Spaceframes was able to construct the organic shape using significantly less steel than traditional structural methods. The forged steel and ball system connects about 4,000 panels to each other—as well as attaches them to the building—to form a lacelike screen. In all, the awning covers approximately 120,000 square feet of surface area. The decorative structure’s open pattern allows natural light to pass through and create a welcoming space for the city’s growing commuter work force. The Transbay Transit Center is being heralded as a national model for transit-oriented development.
Press
Awning Unveiled
Construction Tour with Brian Dykes
San Francisco Transbay Transit Center Program Overview
Second look at SF’s top buildings of 2016
Transbay Transit Center: Everything you need to know about it
Awards
Category
Tourism, Transportation Centers