Previewed at WWDC, launching in the fall.
Apple's Plans for New Flagship San Francisco Store Receiving Criticism
Earlier this month, Apple filed plans for a relocated flagship retail store in San Francisco, proposing to close its existing store at 1 Stockton Street in favor of the new store three blocks north directly on Union Square. The filing was accompanied by a press release from city officials touting the project:
The proposed store's typical clean lines and heavy use of metal and glass immediately drew some criticism from observers, and San Francisco Chronicle urban design critic John King has now published a critique of Apple's plans highlighting some of the design considerations and the impact the construction will apparently have on an adjacent public plaza and sculptural fountain.
In his critique, King takes issue with the all-glass storefront on Post Street that will see direct sun exposure for much of the day, as well as the Stockton Street frontage that will simply be an 80 foot-long windowless wall. Apple's plans also call for a narrow stairway leading up to public plaza behind the store, a plaza that will be reduced from its current size and apparently see the removal of the popular fountain sculpture that has been in place for 40 years.
Ruth Asawa's "Hyatt on Union Square Fountain" (Source: Wikimedia)
King is not optimistic that the San Francisco Planning Department will require a significant redesign of the proposed project, considering the praise already heaped upon Apple's plans by city officials, but he does hope that some tweaks can be made that at the very least would improve the pedestrian experience along Stockton Street and the public plaza.
“Apple’s new store is quite simply incredible,” said Mayor Lee. “San Francisco is the Innovation Capital of the World, and I can think of no better location for the world’s most stunning Apple Store than right here in Union Square. I want to thank Apple for their investment in this City and continued commitment to growing jobs in San Francisco.”
“I’m excited that the company that revolutionized consumer technologies is moving to the heart of Union Square,” said President Chiu. “The new Apple store will highlight technology and design innovation as well as build community at the center of our City’s retail district.”
The proposed store's typical clean lines and heavy use of metal and glass immediately drew some criticism from observers, and San Francisco Chronicle urban design critic John King has now published a critique of Apple's plans highlighting some of the design considerations and the impact the construction will apparently have on an adjacent public plaza and sculptural fountain.
What's baffling is that a company renowned for design innovation has hired one of the world's most acclaimed architecture firms, only to unload a box that would look at home in Anymall, U.S.A.King confirms that the architect on the proposed project is Foster + Partners, which has reportedly been taking on a greater role in Apple's retail projects since its involvement with Apple's upcoming new headquarters campus in Cupertino.
Worse, it's a box that would displace one of downtown's friendliest works of public art, a bronze fountain by Ruth Asawa that - unlike the proposed polished Apple - could exist nowhere else but here.
In his critique, King takes issue with the all-glass storefront on Post Street that will see direct sun exposure for much of the day, as well as the Stockton Street frontage that will simply be an 80 foot-long windowless wall. Apple's plans also call for a narrow stairway leading up to public plaza behind the store, a plaza that will be reduced from its current size and apparently see the removal of the popular fountain sculpture that has been in place for 40 years.
The fountain was also designed as the centerpiece of the existing triangular plaza along Stockton Street, wrapped in the upward ripple of brick steps. Passersby stop, look, take photographs and smile.
Apple, apparently, has different ideas. A study of the plans shows no sign of the fountain. The broad, inviting steps are gone.
King is not optimistic that the San Francisco Planning Department will require a significant redesign of the proposed project, considering the praise already heaped upon Apple's plans by city officials, but he does hope that some tweaks can be made that at the very least would improve the pedestrian experience along Stockton Street and the public plaza.
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68 months ago
Maybe it's because the fountain looks like a giant took a dump on the steps?
68 months ago
That fountain looks awesome. It will be a shame to displace it with another metal and glass retail box.
68 months ago
Well, one may not like the fountain but that plaza is quite nice and it'd be a shame to loose it for a box.
On an architectural/engineering note the designer is an idiot that obviously doesn't take location into account because a huge glass wall with direct sunlight all day will turn that box into an oven. The PG&E bills in the summer and fall will probably cost more then their likely to sell in a month...
On an architectural/engineering note the designer is an idiot that obviously doesn't take location into account because a huge glass wall with direct sunlight all day will turn that box into an oven. The PG&E bills in the summer and fall will probably cost more then their likely to sell in a month...
68 months ago
It's just cool to ridicule Apple these days.
Do you find the Apple store on the picture to be impressive? It looks very unimaginative and the view from the window-less wall side is outright hideous.
68 months ago
That is a truly ugly store design. I'm really surprised - Apple usually takes more care to blend into their surroundings.
//www.macrumors.com/2012/07/16/new-barcelona-apple-store-has-unique-tiled-coming-soon-billboard/
//www.macrumors.com/2013/05/02/photo-gallery-of-stunning-new-berlin-apple-store/
//www.macrumors.com/2012/07/16/new-barcelona-apple-store-has-unique-tiled-coming-soon-billboard/
//www.macrumors.com/2013/05/02/photo-gallery-of-stunning-new-berlin-apple-store/
68 months ago
The city council complains about the store that pays the most taxes in the whole of the USA (most likely). That's just absurd.
Apple could always take the store elsewhere.
Are you sure Apple is paying the most taxes in the "whole of the USA?"
68 months ago
Allow me to add some context - I live in these parts of SF, just a few blocks north of Union Square.
1 - This will be replacing the Levis flagship store, which is a large, drab, chunk of a store that provides no visual interest to this area. This location is a great choice. It will be at the 'top' of Union Square, from a visual standpoint and will really give the corner some personality.
2 - The Asawa fountain is a brown blob that nobody gives a second thought. It doesn't strike one as 'art' in this context and there are several other Asawa examples like it in the city. There's lots of stuff to see around Union Square, this fountain isn't one of them unless you're an Urban Design Critic.
3 - Heat-wise, this glass facade construction isn't an issue in SF. This city doesn't get hot.
4 - The Stockton Apple Store is really small for its foot traffic. This is long overdue.
Anything, and I mean ANYTHING, that's done in SF to alter existing buildings, parks, thoroughfares, bike-lanes, dog-runs, etc is subject to bellyaching. There's a whole subset of SF dwellers who believe that the city is some kind of living museum and anything done to change the appearance, complexion or demographics therein is heresy.
For real.
1 - This will be replacing the Levis flagship store, which is a large, drab, chunk of a store that provides no visual interest to this area. This location is a great choice. It will be at the 'top' of Union Square, from a visual standpoint and will really give the corner some personality.
2 - The Asawa fountain is a brown blob that nobody gives a second thought. It doesn't strike one as 'art' in this context and there are several other Asawa examples like it in the city. There's lots of stuff to see around Union Square, this fountain isn't one of them unless you're an Urban Design Critic.
3 - Heat-wise, this glass facade construction isn't an issue in SF. This city doesn't get hot.
4 - The Stockton Apple Store is really small for its foot traffic. This is long overdue.
Anything, and I mean ANYTHING, that's done in SF to alter existing buildings, parks, thoroughfares, bike-lanes, dog-runs, etc is subject to bellyaching. There's a whole subset of SF dwellers who believe that the city is some kind of living museum and anything done to change the appearance, complexion or demographics therein is heresy.
San Fran is the capitol of whining. I am not surprised by this development.
For real.
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