Architectural Photography: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
A few months ago, we shared an animated view of the Bay Lights, our video and images of the large-scale LED public art installation at the Bay Bridge in Northern California...
an animated view of the bay lights | san francisco skyline
Another highlight from the weekend was a visit to the California Academy of Arts, a favorite destination in the city- the Renzo Piano-designed California Academy of Sciences museum in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park.
While the innovative strategies and sustainable technologies employed at this singular museum- the 'greenest' in the world- are indeed impressive, our photos below tend to focus more on the user experience in relation to the glass and metal architecture and multi-story volumes.
view of entrance lobby from interior mezzanine | san francisco
The sense of space and interior geometries at this unique structure- housing a digital planetarium and spherical 4-story rainforest dome, among other exhibits- establishes a strong connection to the building's exterior and landscape beyond in unexpected, experiential ways.
interior view of the 90-ft diameter rainforest dome | Academy of Sciences
The undulating vegetated roof is reflected in the interior architecture's movement, openings and forms at the museum's ceiling, and upon traveling up several open levels and a stair to the exterior, visitors encounter the landscaped space via upper level access.
living roof | california academy of sciences
The unusual transition from a rigid structural system of manmade materials and high-tech materials (including a photovoltaic array spanning the length of the entrance), upward to an organic, growing rooftop landscape makes the experience of the building that much more meaningful, functional, and interactive.
photovoltaic panels | museum entrance
Learn more about the building and its architecture at the Academy's website, as well as details on sustainable design principles, the living roof, as well as exhibit details.
