The San Francisco chapter of the AIA houses the chapter’s offices and the Center for Architecture + Design. The newly renovated space needed to be flexible to support continuing education, seminars, exhibitions, and a range of member activities. Its design was, however, limited by the chapter’s location on the sixth floor of the historic Hallidie Building. Built in 1917 and designed by San Francisco architect Willis Polk, the structure boasts one of the world’s first glass curtain walls.

To provide maximum flexibility, Shen Milsom & Wilke designed a multimedia system that includes high-definition projectors and displays in the conference room and the configurable open space. Plasma screens are also located throughout the offices--at the reception area and elevator lobby. A street-level display, to announce the chapter’s activities, will soon be added.

Good acoustics were necessary to support the electronic sound system, minimize office noise, and mitigate exterior traffic noise, which is significant; the building is located on a major downtown traffic artery.

The latter problem was solved by adding a complete glazing system 24 inches within the historic, single-glazed exterior window façade. This solution also does not interfere with the aesthetics of the building.

Shen Milsom & Wilke worked closely with Quezada Architecture to specify recycled acoustic carpet, ceiling tile, and other sound-quelling materials. This also helped AIA San Francisco meet its LEED certification goal.

Courtesy AIA San Francisco (c) Digital Imaging Studio, Dahlin Group

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