Fletcher Studio collaborates with artist Frida Escobedo to bring a new public art plaza to downtown San Francisco.
The sculptural curved walls cantilever in different directions, shaping a dynamic and engaging environment. A pair of parallel walls frame a pedestrian ramp, providing ADA access from the sidewalk to the central sunken plaza. On the opposite side, the walls enclose the space, featuring a shallow reflecting pool with a fog effect—offering a dramatic backdrop or stage for the adjacent ballet school. A curved retaining wall embraces the ginkgo trees, sculpting the landscape berm behind it and further enriching the plaza’s design.
As you walk into the plaza, you experience the dynamic flow of space—a simple yet poetic artistic moment in the heart of the city.
Chorus Plaza, San Francisco
Neighborhood: San Francisco
Date: 2024 Completed
Size: .2 acres
Client: Align Real Estate
Collaborator: Frida Escobedo
Civil Engineer: Sherwood Design Engineers
Role: Landscape Architecture
Features: Urban Plaza, Art Walls, Water/Fog Feature
art walls
The curved walls are sandblasted, poured-in-place concrete with a gradient color transition from dark to light gray. During the design phase, we used Rhino Grasshopper to facilitate modeling, design development, and construction documentation. We worked closely with the contractor to test and refine the gradient concrete color and finish.
water feature
The water feature is a hidden gem, embraced by the curved walls. From the street level, a subtle hint of fog emerges from behind the walls, inviting curiosity. As you enter the space, you discover a tranquil water feature that alternates between a shallow reflecting pool and a fog effect, responding to San Francisco’s ever-changing environment. Integrated lighting within the pool adds a dynamic element, creating an atmospheric experience that enhances the plaza’s ambiance.
construction
