Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Galleries and Forum

The Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Galleries and Forum is a multi-use, community exhibit facility in the heart of downtown San Francisco. It is the first permanent building of its kind in San Francisco and the first U.S. commission for the renowned Japanese Architect, Fumihiko Maki. To serve a continuously changing program, the facility includes daylit galleries, a white box gallery, screening theater, cafe, gift shop and flexible forum space. The lighting is predominantly concealed so not to detract from the art and architecture of the building. When expressed, it is emphasized by custom fixture enclosures.

The flexible Forum space has three lighting systems: theatrical and architectural for performances and parties and another architectural system for high light level daytime activities. A custom designed tension grid allows easy access to the lighting by standing on the grid.

Architects: Maki and Associates with RMW Architects
Size: 55,000 SF
Cost: $44,000,000 entire site
Completion: 1993