460 Townsend
School of Interior Design Architecture & Design
460 Townsend St, San Francisco, CA 94101
[ conceptual design; educational ]
Project Overview
The building at 460 Townsend Street in San Francisco, California, is an industrial warehouse property previously used as office space until it was acquired by the Academy of Art University. The structure has a typical industrial exterior and interior, which lacks an inviting atmosphere for students and faculty.
As part of the Academy of Art University’s School of Interior Architecture & Design, the 460 Townsend is planned for redevelopment to better serve the school’s needs. Based on a comprehensive feasibility study, a new construction will replace portions of the existing space to include classrooms and communal areas. The design aims to provide classrooms, a drafting studio, a student lounge, and an open library and presentation area. The ground floor will feature a main entrance, an auditorium, and classrooms and drafting studios, creating an engaging and functional environment for students and faculty.
Concept: Metamorphosis
Just as a caterpillar must undergo metamorphosis to become a butterfly, students also go through a transformative journey in their education. Without this challenging process of change, neither can reach their full potential. Education mirrors metamorphosis: students often face setbacks and struggle with discouragement as they progress. Yet, by persevering through these challenges, they emerge transformed—like a butterfly, a symbol of success, having grown into their best selves.
Mass Study
Concept Development
In the initial stage, represented by an egg composed of numerous hexagonal shapes, C2C plane hexagon carpet tiles by Shaw Contract are used in the classrooms. The design of built-in bookshelves and lighting fixtures in the student lounge takes inspiration from the forms of larva and pupa. Finally, the wall partitions in the open library and presentation area feature simplified, abstract butterfly patterns, symbolizing the final stage of metamorphosis.
Open Library - Custom Partition (Butterfly)
Open Library
Student Lounge
Student Lounge - Niche Bookshelves (Larva)
Student Lounge - Custom Lighting (Pupa)
Student Lounge
Classroom
