Transamerica Pyramid Centre, San Francisco – Foster + Partners

Foster + Partners has completed the restoration of the Transamerica Pyramid Centre in San Francisco. The biggest renovation in the building’s 50-year history, the project gives a new lease of life to one of the city’s most recognisable landmark towers – the Transamerica Pyramid Centre encompasses an entire city block in the Financial District.

The tower’s lobby has been redesigned to emphasise the building’s structural rhythm. A study of the original building blueprints by the architects showed a spectacular diagonal structure, which was hidden above the ceiling. This structure has been revealed and clad to match the building’s exterior, creating a seamless transition between inside and outside. The full height of the lobby is restored, with a “soaring” glass facade that brings light deep into the space.

The refined material palette of oak, marble and terrazzo was selected to align with Pereira’s original design. At the rear of the lobby space, the tower’s annex has been restored with new skylights and glazing. 

The lobby and amenity levels have been “reimagined” as elevated hospitality spaces, with an emphasis on quality and comfort. Fosters commented: “Incentivising the return to the office, a fitness centre and sky lobby are located at the middle of the tower – offering a state-of-the-art gym, sauna and yoga studios, as well as high-quality spaces for work and relaxation with panoramic city views.” The tower is topped by an exclusive bar for office tenants.

The Pyramid’s famous spire will also be re-lit for the first time with over 1,300 ft of newly installed LED lights, as part of a comprehensive new lighting design of both the interior and exterior by the L’Observatoire International.