A proposed mediatheque is envisioned at 901 Illinois Street, San Francisco, drawing significant inspiration from its unique location. Positioned at the intersection of old historical ship ports with abandoned boatyards on the East side and a newly constructed modern residential area on the West side, the design seeks to articulate the connection and transition between these contrasting elements.

    The building’s concept revolves around embodying the shift from the historical to the contemporary, symbolized by the deliberate split down the middle. Bridges piercing through the structure serve as focal points, accentuating and visually emphasizing the transition between the old and new. This architectural choice aims to capture the essence of the site’s historical significance and its evolution over time.

    In terms of materials, the mediatheque embraces an industrial aesthetic, utilizing concrete and rusted steel, that could be recycled from the abandoned warehouses in the area. This deliberate selection pays homage to the historical port town that once thrived in the vicinity, now undergoing a process of demolition and redevelopment. The industrial materials not only evoke the spirit of the past but also contribute to a sense of continuity and transformation, seamlessly blending the old and the new within the architectural narrative.