San Francisco Federal Building: Sustainable design informs an urban landmark

摘要

The 18-story San Francisco Federal Building is a dramatic new structure rising from the San Francisco skyline. Long and slender at 235-ft tall and 65-ft wide, the building features a translucent tower, a four-story annex, glass facades and a metal sunscreen. Opened just two years ago, the Federal Building already has earned accolades for its sustainable building design, leveraging the efficient use of natural energy sources and steam service from NRG Energy Center San Francisco. The building has received numerous design awards including the 2008 AIA San Francisco Design Award and a 2008 General Services Administration's (GSA's) Design Honor Award for Architecture. Even though the building was designed 5 years before the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED~®) certification system was established, it is still considered a benchmark for sustainable design. The building is expected to receive the LEED Silver Rating.