**This class will be taught In-Person. (2 Classes in the classroom and one walking.)**
After the devastation of the 1906 earthquake and fires, San Francisco's business and political leaders quickly agreed that downtown should be quickly rebuilt. Fire and earthquake prevention was considered as was rapid resumption of commerce. The result is a downtown of "commodity, firmness, and delight," the principles of good architecture as described by Roman architect, Vesuvius in his book "De Architectura". Most of the business buildings, apartments, and hotels built between 1906 and 1930 are still standing. In this 3-week mini-course we will explore the steel framed buildings that replaced a brick Victorian downtown left in rubble.
Week by Week Plan
Week 1: in-class lecture on how economics, politics, building codes, fire safety, and seismic stability considerations influenced what and how the downtown was rebuilt.
Week 2: walk and talk along Market Street from Powell Street to Sansome Street. Meet at IKEA Food Court, Saluhall, 945 Market St. (no need for purchase, rest rooms available). Cross Market to view Golden Gate Theater, Riverside apartments, Golden Gate Avenue Garage; Flood Building, Hobart Building, Newspaper Corner with Chronicle, Examiner, and Call Buildings; north to view Hunter-Dulan Building, Mills Building, Merchants Exchange. End at Holbook House patio, 1 Sansome St.
Week 3: in-class lecture on the life of the buildings over time with focus on the present.
