The Embarcadero

 Bronze Horse” by Marino Marini.  The fountain behind it is by Robert Woodward.

Real estate development projects in San Francisco are required to develop public spaces in order to obtain project approval. A good example of this is at the One Maritime Plaza building, located at Battery and Clay Streets, near the Embarcadero Center office buildings.

The office building was built in 1964 for Alcoa Corporation. This building was the first to use the seismic X-bracing as part of its structural aesthetic.  The formal plan for the garden squares on top of the garages was intended to create the effect of an outdoor sculpture museum.  The Landscape Architect was Sasaki Walker Associates. And the architect of the Tower was Skidmore, Owings and Merrill.

This is “Limits of Horizon” by Jan Peter Stern. I love how the plants have grown to soften this piece. In the photo it is lost to the surrounding buildings, and even in situ it is very ethereal.

“Icosaspirale” by Charles Perry

There are several more pieces on this garage rooftop. If you are in the area, check them out. It is really never crowded and it is a wonderful escape from the city.