The Canyon , an impressive reddish-brown building by Dutch architectural firm MVRDV, opened in San Francisco, California, on June 21.
The Canyon building with its jagged shape and canyon-like walkways. Photo: Jason O'Rear
The 23-story Canyon is part of an ambitious plan to transform an empty parking lot near San Francisco Bay into a vibrant and sustainable neighborhood called Mission Rock, providing middle-income housing.
With its unique jagged walls and canyon-like walkways running through it, The Canyon is inspired by California's geological features and San Francisco's distinctive hilly terrain.
Strategically located at the northwest corner of the Mission Rock neighborhood, The Canyon will be a landmark that will be visible to anyone crossing the 3rd Street Bridge. It will soon be joined by China Basin Park, which will serve as the cultural center of the neighborhood.
The Canyon comprises a five-story base and is topped by a 230-foot-tall building on the west side of the site. The building features a striking reddish-brown façade and undulating form reminiscent of the red rock formations of the American West. A landscaped public “canyon” cuts diagonally through the base of the building, connecting offices and providing shared amenities for residents, as well as a shortcut from China Basin Park to the heart of the neighborhood.
The Canyon is located near the San Francisco Bay, which can take advantage of the water exchange system. Photo: Jason O'Rear
The canyon’s “walls” and the building’s eastern side feature jagged protrusions that mimic vertical cliffs. This design element not only adds visual interest, but also provides bay windows and small balconies for the 40 apartments, maximizing views of the San Francisco Bay. The building’s rooftops are transformed into “green havens” with abundant vegetation, providing communal spaces for residents to relax, exercise, and socialize. Meanwhile, the ground floor features small shops and restaurants.
The Canyon features efficient, discreet heating systems on the ground floor and basement. Thanks to its proximity to the San Francisco Bay, the building utilizes a water exchange system that uses bay water for both cooling and heating, significantly reducing CO2 emissions, water and energy consumption, and enhancing sustainability. Residents also benefit from reduced energy bills. Ample bicycle parking is available in the basement, encouraging residents to choose healthy and environmentally friendly modes of transportation.
Thu Thao (According to Design Boom )
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