Angler SF
Program: Gravity-free VR/AR Research Center
Location: San Francisco, CA
Year: Spring 2022
Studio: Architecture Design w/ Umut Toker
Angler SF, situated in downtown San Francisco, serves as a research center for gravity-free facilities, simulating conditions both underwater and in space. The project is dedicated to offering activities not typically accessible in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) games, providing visitors with immersive and unique experiences. The facility aims to push the boundaries of technological innovation, allowing individuals to engage with environments that would otherwise be challenging to access in traditional gaming scenarios.
The building design features a distinct division between its lower and upper halves. The bottom half of the floor is open for public access, providing a welcoming space for anyone to enter. In contrast, the top half is dedicated to researchers developing virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) games. The unique cell-merging shape houses the darkroom.
Despite the functional separation into two sections, a central atrium serves as a connecting element, allowing visual connections between both occupants—those on the public floor and researchers above. This design fosters observation and mutual understanding between the public and the research community within Angler SF.
The interior layout is strategically designed to foster unexpected collaborations between two parties. The floor plate is shaped and curved to guide individuals towards the central atrium and staircase. This design encourages people to gather, facilitating spontaneous conversations and interactions. The aim is to create unplanned encounters, enhancing creativity in the workspace by allowing different perspectives and voices to be exchanged. The arrangement of the interior not only promotes collaboration but also contributes to a dynamic and innovative working environment within Angler SF.
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The building's facade is carefully designed, taking into account factors such as sunshading and the public viewing experience. The paneling configuration is responsive to its surroundings, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. In the front, the panels are perpendicular to the street, allowing direct morning sunlight. On the other side, they are parallel to the street, creating an angle during the hottest part of the day to minimize direct sunlight and heat gain. Above the entryway, the panels are rotated to connect both directions, creating a visual effect for passersby and enticing them to explore the interior space on foot.
The paneling also points towards the public space across the street, inviting visitors in. Each panel is uniquely shaped, influenced by the floor plates. The weaving pattern responds to the level of exposure and public engagement, with out-curving paneling providing more space for gathering in areas intended for public use. This thoughtful design approach not only serves functional purposes but also adds an engaging and dynamic visual element to Angler SF.
The project spanned a duration of 6 months, providing ample time to delve deeper into the structural elements. This extended timeline facilitated a comprehensive exploration of details, including the connections of the panels to the I-beam and the structural support for the irregular floor plates. To enhance understanding, a 1/4" = 1'-0'' scale section model was meticulously crafted, offering a detailed representation of the intricate structural aspects of Angler SF. This hands-on approach to modeling allows for a more thorough examination of the project's intricate features, contributing to a nuanced and well-informed design and construction process.
