In this its fourth year, the SF Prize chose to focus attention on newly revealed sites that were created after the demolition of the Central Freeway. Competitors were asked to propose designs for any one of four separate sites along the recently re-designed Octavia Boulevard. Neighborhood goals for the area include:

- Prevent displacement and the loss of homes
- Encourage diverse and affordable housing
- Create choices for movement – foster alternatives to the car
- Make streets safe and attractive places to walk, bike and meet
- Repair and enhance the neighborhood’s urban fabric – build on its strengths
- Provide for convenient neighborhood services
- Value residences, shops, and active uses over automobile parking

In response to these priorities, AND, working with Geoffrey Holton and Associates (GHA) proposed a hybrid work/live environment that would be affordable to working artists. On two narrow sites each measuring 15’ x 120’, AND/GHA squeezed 24 SRO type units, shared kitchen/dining space, work space, exhibit space, and retail uses. The jury commended the alternative development strategy that was proposed.

The competition, open to architecture firms around the country and internationally, drew over 160 entrants.

The narrative of our competition entry follows.

“This year’s S.F. Prize competition is about revitalization, stitching back together a swath of urban fabric, and allowing a neighborhood to thrive again…”

OCTAVIA ARTS engages this challenge directly by proposing high density affordable housing for working artists. Taking advantage of a narrow abandoned street edge, OCTAVIA ARTS is a vertical neighborhood of artists: living, working, and engaging the surrounding community in the act of creating culture. “Live/work” has become a lifestyle moniker in service of real estate speculation that marginalizes artists and other low-income working people. OCTAVIA ARTS offers resource-efficient housing and flexible work space as a critique of the prevailing model of “live/work.”

AFFORDABLE WORK+LIVE

OCTAVIA ARTS acknowledges the importance of an economically viable artist community in San Francisco. By providing well-designed, affordable housing in direct proximity to work space, exhibit galleries and common resources, OCTAVIA ARTS acts as a small business incubator for artists in a variety of media. Efficiently designed units with built-in storage and fold-away furniture increases livability of a small unit.

SUSTAINABLITY THROUGH DENSITY




By providing housing for 24 people on less than one tenth of an acre, OCTAVIA ARTS exemplifies the environmental advantages of high-density urban living: infill development exploits existing urban infrastructure and transit; ample space for bicycles (and no space for cars) reduces auto-use; efficient unit design and density minimizes per-unit investment of resources, and maximizes opportunities for sharing. Shading fins and pull-down shades mitigate heat-gain along west-facing glazing, and operable light-scoops and clerestories encourage ventilation and daylighting. All units are accessible.

OPEN STUDIO: ENGAGING STREET LIFE

Recognizing its Hayes Valley neighborhood commercial context, the ground floor of OCTAVIA ARTS includes cafe/retail space at the corners, and two “Open Studios” that function as both work space and exhibition space. Sectional and pivoting doors provide privacy while artists are working, and “dematerialize” the facade when open, inviting visitors and pedestrians into the building. The ground level becomes part of the street during receptions and other cultural events.