Jony Ive’s Vision for a New Urban Space in San Francisco
Five years after departing from his influential role at Apple, renowned designer Jony Ive is embracing an ambitious new project in San Francisco. On a recent visit to a large-scale model depicting a city block, he expressed his excitement about reimagining an urban space that combines community, design, and nature.
Transforming Historical Architecture
Situated in the historic Gold Rush Era neighborhood of Jackson Square, the project begins with a prominent two-story building, over a century old. Mr. Ive highlighted the significance of location, stating, “We bought this building first, but then we noticed that it had access to this huge volume in the center.” This “huge volume” refers to an adjacent empty parking lot, which Mr. Ive envisions as a vibrant community space.
A Community-Centric Vision
Mr. Ive’s visionary approach entails transforming the vacant asphalt area into an engaging environment reminiscent of his favorite restaurant in London, the River Cafe. His aspirations grew as he recognized the potential of the surrounding buildings, leading him to acquire additional properties, ultimately giving him control over half of the city block, including the parking lot.
The Road Ahead
Reflecting on the secrecy surrounding his endeavors, Mr. Ive remarked, “This is a very odd thing. For five years, I haven’t talked to anybody about what we’re doing.” His commitment to the project marks a new chapter in his career, focusing not only on design but on cultivating spaces that foster interaction and connection among people.
Conclusion
Jony Ive’s return to the architectural spotlight underlines his enduring influence in design and his ability to envision spaces that resonate with communal values. As plans for the redevelopment gather momentum, they promise to transform an ordinary urban block into a dynamic hub for social engagement and creativity.
