PERSPECTIVE
ITS SEDATE FORMALISM DENIES
THE CITY'S RICH URBAN CONTEXT
Rick LeBrasseur, ASLA, San Francisco
nion Square, the unofficial center of San Francisco,
is surrounded by one of the world’s premier shopping
districts and fashion hubs. It was founded as a com-
mons during the Civil War (pro-Union rallies gave it
its name) and was remade into a picturesque “urban
escape” during the late 1800s and then, during the
mid-twentieth century, into a strolling garden that covered
the world’s first underground, multilevel parking garage.
The latest redesign, which attempted to be fashionable
and trendy, does not match the urban energy of the
square’s surroundings. The design is benign, but cold and
heartless. Its sedate formalism denies the influence of Sar
Francisco's rich urban palette.
The materials seem to have been chosen for their
trendiness, not their enduring appeal. The tan-and-green
Plazas and shiny granite already seem out of style. There
is no weaving together of diverse elements—just a dis-
passionate, formal gesture that creates a homogeneous
qua wunins repun.
The Grand Prize-winning entry
in the design competition for
the space, by a team led by the
late Rose Mendez, was far more
elegant and creative—a simple,
unfolding design reminiscent of
origami. Unfortunately, the de-
sign could not gain the jury’s full
approval for implementation.
The design that was construct-
ed meets the grading and circu-
latory challenges extremely
well, but the Union Square
Association missed a rare oppor-
tunity to create a truly remark-
able space.
Though the plaza Is still heav-
ily used as a resting spot and
lunchtime seating area, it lacks
excitement. I do not believe the
scheduled improvements of
movable chairs or a central wa-
ter feature will solve this prob-
lem, Not even the art shows and infrequent entertainment
provide the stimulation this space deserves.
Much like the ever-fickle fashion industry that sur-
rounds Union Square, this plaza will one day again re-
ceive a cosmetic facelift. Next time, let’s hope the
powers that be will look beyond the denatured landscape
of corporatism toward a solution that acknowledges the
excitement of urban living.