690 Harrison

Competition: Buildner Unbuilt Awards 2024

Brief: International competition celebrating innovative unbuilt rchitectural projects for their conceptual rigor, spatial clarity, and architectural innovation.

Site: SOMA District, San Francisco

Typology: Mixed-use (residential, office, commercial)

Software: Rhino 7, Grasshopper 3D, Revit, Blender, Adobe CC

690 Harrison is an 18-story, mixed-use development in San Francisco’s SOMA District, blending residential and office spaces through innovative design. Shared dual-opening elevators and separate lobbies provide seamless circulation. Four elevators serve the first seven floors of office space, while two extend up to the 18th floor to access the 52 residential units, including studios, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.

Addressing the scarcity of green space in downtown San Francisco, the project prioritizes community well-being with a generous public green area. Starting at Harrison Street, the space ascends to a grass-covered plateau featuring a beer garden and private access to the residential accommodation. The ground floor includes dual lobbies, a 3,900-square-foot commercial space, and a large venue accessible from 3rd Street, the office lobby, and the second-floor green terrace.

The design concept begins with a bold ramp and robust base that transitions into a stepped tower. Parametrically generated floorplates and staggered façade, inspired by 3XN’s Quay Quarter Tower, provide undisturbed corner views on alternating levels, balancing aesthetics and functionality.

Sustainability drives the project’s approach, with daylight and solar studies informing interior layouts and ensure optimal sunlight for the green space. Key features include operable windows for ventilation, exterior shading, and a rain and gray water reclamation system for irrigation.