Architectural Gems South of Market: Walking Tour

Join us for a remarkable walk through one of San Francisco’s most interesting and least understood neighborhoods, South of Market. Tucked between modern architectural marvels (including SF’s tallest building) are testaments to 150+ years of urban evolution. Our walk discusses a unique San Francisco story that is sometimes gritty, sometimes great, but always intriguing.

In less than a mile, our stroll includes a dense and eclectic array of architectural styles — Victorian Gothic Revival, Beaux Artes, Art Deco, Post-Modernism, and Contemporary 21stcentury design. Massive late 20th/early 21st century redevelopment projects transformed multi-block areas South of Market within short time periods, yet past architectural gems have been protected.

Our walk introduces you to a rich urban fabric of old and new dotted with dramatic public open spaces offering unparalleled views of this fascinating urban landscape.

Enjoy a walk that considers the stories, the people, and the architectural and socio-economic history of this remarkable neighborhood – an opportunity only to be found South of Market!

LEARNING OBJECTIVES (1 LU)

1. Discuss the history of resilience and recovery in San Francisco, including the 1906 earthquake, the dot-com bubble of 2000, the 2008 crash, and the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.

2. Learn how architects respond to development problems like traffic congestion, housing shortages, and seismic threats.

3. Gain insight into the development and use of privately-owned public open spaces throughout San Francisco.

4. Identify and recognize the work of famous architects like Willis Polk, Mario Botta, Snohetta, Timothy Pflueger, Cesar Pelli, and Norman Foster.

Host or Publisher Center for A+D