The South San Francisco Public Library and Parks and Rec Campus is more than just a building; it's a testament to community collaboration, innovative design, and the power of a shared vision. This project, discussed in an IIDA Northern California Forums Panel recent, reveals a fascinating journey from initial concept to a fully functional, beloved community hub.
The project began with the city's need for a new library and community center, as the old facilities were outdated. The goal was to create a "heart of South San Francisco," a space that would serve the community for the next 50 years integrating the library and parks and recreation departments into one cohesive unit aimed to create a welcoming and engaging environment, with flexible spaces that could adapt to future needs.
A Design Driven by Community
The design process led by SmithGroup was deeply rooted in community engagement. The team conducted focus groups, surveys, and workshops, carefully listening to the needs and desires of the city’s residents. This process was guided by five key words: memorable, inviting, engaging, light and airy, and signature. The Council Chambers, with its unique truss system, was designed to be a memorable focal point. Library and Park and Rec areas were intended to be inviting and engaging, with shared spaces that engage users and foster the sense of community. The building's design also prioritized natural light and ventilation, using a unitized curtain wall system and mechanically actuated windows. The unique dot pattern on the glazing wasn't just for aesthetics; Smith Group architect Ken Litwin explained it was a carefully engineered solution to control solar heat gain while providing stunning views.
Navigating Construction Challenges
The construction phase was not without its challenges. The project began shortly after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring the team to adhere to social distancing measures. The site itself presented unique hurdles, with both a BART system wide communications line and a high-voltage PG&E transmission line running underground, and the team had to navigate complex agency requirements, early procurement of materials (some from overseas) and supply chain issues.
Despite these obstacles, the construction team, led by Swinerton superintendent Kent Trimble, maintained a commitment to quality. For example, they spent a week using lasers and a scissor lift at 3 a.m. each night to ensure the recessed lighting was perfectly aligned. The drywall team's work on the council chambers was also a major achievement. The electrical subcontractor, Rosendin, was essential to the success of this project, especially for their work on complex lighting and AV systems. And T3, another subcontractor, was recognized for the masterful job they did on the ceilings.
A Focus on Flexibility and Functionality
“Each space has a very flexible and fluid concept, so every space has a multi-purpose function. It can be a fitness room or a design studio. It can be a makerspace, a lecture hall, or it can be a classroom,” explained architect Sunhwa Son. This was in response to the notion of serving two clients: the city and the community. The spaces intend to be both individual and collaborative, creating "sticky moments" to delight and encourage community interaction. Even the behind-the-scenes storage spaces were carefully considered, with solutions designed for easy access and maintenance by City facilities.
Project success involved collaboration with a multitude of expert partners. One Workplace stepped in to provide furniture services after a previous vendor's bid came in 40% over budget and was essential in getting the project back on track under challenging circumstances. “We're here because One Workplace is here; Lori and the team just completely delivered from the first time we called them,” said Jake Gilchrist, City of So SF. One Workplace partner BCI was recognized for their expertise in library spaces and assisting with the library collection. And the structural engineering team was commended for their ability to tackle the difficult challenges posed by the Bart tunnel. The So SF City Attorney provided valuable support in untangling and confirming ownership of the full site and City negotiations with BART created a deeper partnership and expanded the City’s open spaces.
Unexpected Outcomes and Lessons Learned
The team shared some unexpected challenges that arose during the design and construction process. For instance, a miscalculation in the location of the PG&E line required a complete redesign of the building. The team also learned to set clear expectations for working with agencies, including BART, at the very beginning of the project. This project continually demonstrated the importance of teamwork and open communication, where listening to the needs of different departments, stakeholders and project partners was key to success. The City of South San Francisco has been evaluating solutions to make the building more sustainable, including installing a battery array, and exploring possibilities to use the building as a potential emergency shelter. And ultimately the new South San Francisco Public Library project raised community expectations for the overall quality of city facilities.
A Community Space to be Proud Of
South San Francisco’s Public Library | Parks and Rec Campus stands as an example of what can be achieved through community engagement, innovative design, and the dedication of a passionate team. It serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of creating spaces that truly meet the needs of the people they serve. The positive feedback from the community and the pride expressed by all partners involved demonstrate that this is more than just a building, it’s a community space to be proud of.