Meyer Studio Land Architects

MSLA teamed with Gensler to redevelop the Jewelry Center and adjacent office buildings in San Francisco’s SOMA district. As part of the restoration of the historic building, the existing loading dock was converted into an elevated plaza, connecting the Jewelry Center to the adjoining newly renovated headquarters for Airbnb. Built around an imported specimen maple tree, an elevated wooden plaza floats above the old loading dock entry. A ring of ‘semi-precious stones’ adorns the tree, distinguishes the courtyard, and provides a sheltered social place for tenants to work, eat lunch or socialize. Other components include a wall of succulents concealing a utility corridor, and a wood wall that when lit magically transforms the space at night.