natural + built environments

Experience Natural + Built Environments

Buena Vista Park

● Located along in upper Haight, Buena Vista Park allows you to see the city from multiple view points. It is a curious journey making your way through the different paths that twist and cross along the park.

I approached the park from the north east corner. The stairs circle around and the first decision of left or right greets you. There isn't a right or wrong choice as the paths join directly behind the bench and wall.

Curious was a word I kept going back to through my journey. You have a sense of adventure on choosing your paths. Around each corner you are

mostly greeted with stairs or paths going vertically up and down and some that horizontally cross the park.

● 3 types of paths are seen. Wide concrete slabs, steps of wood carved out of the natural landscape and beaten paths made by people walking off path.

The 1st real look out point I found captured the church and the Richmond district of the city

● Highlights of the east side of buena vista park include the golden gate bridge and church. You can see glimpses of the ocean and the bay.

Many of the trees found in the park have been intentionally selected.

The west side of the park showcases downtown and the bay

The park is very tranquil, it has many spots to stop and reflect. I saw a few park benches and only one had a few worth sitting and spending time at.

Buena Vista Park is a gem of the city. It is a place for leisure, sight seeing and adventure. It is a space to choose your own adventure. Unfortunately, it is impossible to ignore the evident homeless problem of our city. Many make shift camps are seen as you get more to the centre of the park and you feel like you are encroaching on someone's personal place.

Exterior of the San Francisco Federal Building

● I ran into some issues and wasn't able to enter the federal building so I focused on the exterior

● The most interesting part of the building to me was the west entrance. You are immediately drawn upwards

As I walked south towards the rear of the building, the appearance of this side of the building is much different than

the north. Another entrance is complimented with a wave form.

Traveling down the building, you are able to glance at the south east corner of the building. It is a secure area and wasn't able to get any closer.

Traveling down the building, you are able to glance at the south east corner of the building. It is a secure area and wasn't able to get any closer.

Harmony is created with the traditional design of the building across the street with the very modern feel of the federal building

The northern face is visually striking.

● This side is very aesthetically pleasing. The federal building is the most green federal building in the US. The building takes you on a journey around, and every corner you turn gives you a different view and appreciation to the hard work of Thomas Mayne.