For generations, The Conservatory has stood as the nerve center of the San Francisco Financial District, boasting graceful architecture adorned with granite-clad 38-foot Doric columns. Its unique indoor/outdoor nature has solidified its status as one of the City’s most sought-after gathering spaces. With a standing capacity exceeding 2,000 guests, convenient on-site access to BART and Muni, and a strategic location just four blocks from Moscone Center, no other event facility in San Francisco is as well-equipped to host complex and significant gatherings.
Reimagined and meticulously restored in 2023, The Conservatory stands as a testament to design, vision, and creative prowess. The lighting design team embarked on a mission to honor the historic trusses, envisioning the use of RGBW technology to highlight important events and holidays. By day, the lighting design seamlessly integrates with the presence of natural daylight, accentuating the trusses’ grandeur. Even when bathed in bright sunlight, the interstitial spaces within the trusses are softly illuminated, creating a captivating layered effect.
As night falls, the lighting strategy continues to enhance the space, maintaining a sense of openness and transparency. Illuminating the facades enclosing the skylight becomes paramount, reinforcing the venue’s airy ambiance. Thus, One Sansome Conservatory transforms into a bustling pedestrian hub during the day, offering neighboring workers a serene retreat, while transitioning into an enchanting venue for private and corporate events come nightfall.
Client: Barker Pacific Group
Collaborators: MacCracken Robinson Architects
Status: Completed, 2023
