SF's Pyramid Defies Expectations

Forty years ago, an unusual proposal for a pyramid-shaped skyscraper caused outrage across San Francisco. Today, it is recognized as a worthy addition to the skyline. John King looks at the building's transformation from eyesore to icon.

1 minute read

January 6, 2010, 9:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur

King cites the numerous complaints about the towers design when it was proposed 40 years ago:

"Progressive Architecture rolled out a string of adjectives: "insensitive, inappropriate, incongruous." Newsweek bemoaned a tower that would be "wrong in any city" but "particularly wrong in ... easily wounded San Francisco."

None of the slings dislodged the support of the player who mattered most, Mayor Alioto. Not only did he back Transamerica because of the jobs that would be created, he very publicly touted the unorthodox design."

FULL STORY: Pyramid's steep path from civic eyesore to icon

Tuesday, January 5, 2010 in The San Francisco Chronicle

Architecture California San Francisco Transamerica Pyramid

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.