SF STATE’S VISITORS CENTER.

 A VISION OF VITAL ECOLOGICAL STUDY CONDUCTED IN A HIGHLY SUSTAINABLE SETTING. 

This site is located on the Tiburon peninsula on the north shore of the San Francisco Bay. The site is located on a steep, south-facing slope adjoining the bay, where the peninsula rises sharply out of the bay. SF State’s Visitors center conducts research and offers instruction in marine biology, oceanography, wetlands ecology and evolutionary genetics. The Center’s significant contributions include monitoring of the San Francisco Bay estuary system and collaborative oceanographic research projects throughout the world. Most buildings on the 36-acre campus reflect the Center’s former military and industrial uses. All exhibit some degree of damage, and structural evaluation indicates that some present a significant degree of seismic risk. Nevertheless, the robust nature and straightforward quality of many structures contributes to a general adaptability for research. The Plan articulates a vision of vital ecological study conducted in a highly sustainable setting. The enigmatic character of the buildings combine with panoramic views of the bay to contribute a magical quality to the place. These factors are the inspiration of many creative visions and have potential to elicit public support