How Berkeley’s Center Street Garage Redefines Parking with Art and Sustainability
Berkeley isn’t just a hub for academic brilliance and progressive thinking—it’s also home to one of the most innovative parking structures in California. The Center Street Garage is more than a place to leave your car; it’s a blend of architecture, sustainability, and public art that reshapes how cities integrate parking into their urban fabric.
Why Spring Lake Elementary’s Bold Design is the Future of School Architecture
When you think of an elementary school, what comes to mind? Beige walls, boxy buildings, and uninspired hallways? Spring Lake Elementary in Woodland, California, is anything but ordinary. Designed by HMC Architects and built by Otto Construction, this school is a bold statement on how educational spaces should look and feel. Featuring vibrant Trespa Meteon panels and translucent 3-Form elements, the school’s design fosters creativity, engagement, and play—exactly what a learning environment should do.
How Stanford’s Bass Biology Building Blends Tradition with Innovation
Stanford University has long been known for its blend of historic and modern architecture, and the Bass Biology Building is no exception. Designed by Flad Architects and Ennead Architects and built by Whiting-Turner, this state-of-the-art research facility balances contemporary design with a nod to the university’s iconic Mission Revival style. One of its most striking features is the immense aluminum and steel canopy, featuring red and orange fins reminiscent of Stanford’s terra cotta rooftops.
Transamerica Pyramid's Bold and Stunning Redesign
The Transamerica Pyramid has been a defining feature of the San Francisco skyline for more than half a century. Recently, this iconic structure underwent a remarkable transformation, bringing its design and functionality into the modern era while preserving its legendary status. Here’s how the redesign continues to honor its legacy and what it means for the city’s architectural landscape.
Behind the Lens: Capturing Stevens Creek Garage
Architectural photography isn’t just about showcasing a building; it’s about telling a story through structure, light, and perspective. The Stevens Creek Garage in San Jose offers a perfect case study. Designed to serve the bustling Westfield Valley Fair Mall, this parking structure goes beyond utility to redefine urban aesthetics.
100 Stockton’s Terra Cotta Design Transforms Union Square
San Francisco’s Union Square is well-known for its mix of history and modernity, and the recent overhaul of 100 Stockton adds a striking new chapter to the area’s architectural story.
Aquatic Ashby: Transforming Urban Living with Scenic Roofs
Urban living often means sacrificing outdoor space for the convenience of being close to the city’s amenities. However, at Aquatic Ashby, a mid-rise apartment building in Berkeley designed by Trachtenberg Architects, urban living takes on a new dimension with its beautifully designed roof terraces.
Alameda Theater: Discover a Historic Bay Area Gem
Alameda Theater stands as a testament to the vibrant history and architectural beauty of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Innovative Cladding: Broadcom’s San Jose Parking Garage
The Broadcom garage in San Jose, California, is a striking example of how innovative cladding solutions can transform a parking structure into a work of art. Designed by HOK, with HNA Pacific serving as the parking consultant and architect of record, this precast concrete garage showcases the seamless blend of aesthetics and functionality.
How a Modern Garage Transformed Palo Alto's Cityscape
The 350 Sherman Garage is a remarkable addition to Palo Alto’s downtown, transforming what might have been an ordinary parking structure into a landmark of modern design and sustainability.
Form4 Architecture Revamps 3100 Hanover for Modern Tenants
Form4 Architecture, Coulter Construction, and Howell Electric recently worked together on an exciting project in Palo Alto, California. The goal was to update an old HP building at 3100 Hanover to attract a new life science tenant. This transformation demonstrates how architectural photography can capture the essence of a project's design, highlighting both aesthetic appeal and sustainable practices.
Guardant Health Courtyard Boosts Productivity & Well-being
Guardant Health's central courtyard in Palo Alto, designed by Arc Tec Inc. and built by Landmark Builders Inc., is a remarkable example of how architectural design can influence productivity and well-being in the workplace.
How Kiku Garage Reimagines Downtown San Mateo Parking
Kiku Garage is a new parking option for visitors to downtown San Mateo, while also offering dedicated parking for residents of the new multifamily residences across the street. This innovative parking garage doesn't just serve a practical need; it also introduces vibrant public art to the area, featuring large murals by artist Harumo Sato.
Modera Rincon Hill: Redefining Urban Living with Terraces
Urban living often means sacrificing outdoor space, but Modera Rincon Hill challenges this notion with its stunning rooftop terraces. Adjacent to the San Francisco Bay Bridge in the Rincon Hill neighborhood, this residential high-rise offers expansive outdoor areas designed to enhance the living experience for its residents. In this post, we explore how these terraces redefine urban living, focusing on their design, functionality, and the breathtaking views they offer.
UC Law SF Quad & Roof Terrace: Reinventing Urban Spaces
The University of California College of the Law, San Francisco has unveiled a new extension building designed by SOM. This project includes a beautiful new quad situated between the original building and the extension, as well as a roof terrace and balconies designed by Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture. These outdoor spaces are enhanced with planters and benches by Tournesol, creating bright, airy areas where students and faculty can recharge in the heart of downtown San Francisco.
Arco da Rua Augusta at Dawn: Top Travel Photography Tips
The Arco da Rua Augusta in Lisbon is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Built to commemorate the reconstruction of Lisbon after the 1755 earthquake, this stunning arch is a must-see for any photographer. In this blog post, I’ll share my experience of capturing this monument at dawn, along with some valuable travel photography tips.