Build September 2016

Build Magazine 22 Fong & Chan Architects (FCA) is an award winning, international design firm, established in 1982 and based in San Francisco. The firm renders complete services encompassing the fields of architecture, master planning, programming, interior design and other related disciplines. The firm’s portfolio of work is widely diversified in scope and building type. Since its inception, FCA’s design philosophy dictates that all undertaken projects are to be functionally feasible, as well as aesthetically pleasing. The firm’s highly acclaimed designs not only satisfy each client, but also affect people’s lives, the environment, and the surrounding community in a positive way. ounding Partner Chiu Lin Tse-Chan has an indisputable reputation in the field of delivering projects on schedule and within budget, and has a unique quality control methodology that consistently results in the highest level of document coordination possible. David Fong, the other Founding Partner, is a sensitive, people-oriented designer, who guides Fong & Chan Architects with a unique aesthetic vision and believes that the design must satisfy both the rational and emotional needs of the occupant. His view of each design as not only a practical, problem solving endeavour but also as an expressive work of art results in design solutions that are unparalleled in their effect on the human spirit. FCA’s 34-year involvement in the design industry has witnessed many changes, most notably the effect the computer and new technology has had on the process of design and the generation of construction documents. The Founding Partners believe that architects have a responsibility to educate and mentor young architects so to that end the firm participates in lectures and has established numerous internship and scholarship programs. Since the inception of the firm in the early 1980s, FCA embraced computer-aided drafting when it was a new technology; this willingness to adopt new technology has been a keystone to the firm’s success over the years. Presently, the firm uses building information modelling and is continually exploring new programs and technologies that can aid and improve the design process. FCA is strongly committed to providing professional services with an emphasis on personal attention, technical competence, efficiency, and the highest calibre of architectural design and planning. FCA is committed to protecting the planet’s natural resources and strives to incorporate sustainable design principles into their designs. FCA is a corporate member of the U.S. Green Building Council and employs LEED certified Design Professionals. The Society of American Registered Architects has recognized FCA with its highest honour, the State-wide Architecture Firm Award in California in 2002 and the National Architecture Firm Award in 2005. Perhaps the greatest feature in the cap for FCA, the project that best exemplifies their commitment to architectural daring and innovation, is the new Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Centre. Today, this institution is an international leader in HIV/AIDS care, providing primary and specialty care for patients in more than 20 languages, and is recognised for excellence in care given – it owes its current incarnation to Fong and Chan. “Designing the new ZSFGH has been one of the greatest honours of our career,” the partners say. “As architects and as members of the San Francisco community, we are keenly aware of the vital role this Hospital plays in people’s lives and have witnessed first-hand the compassion and exemplary service rendered here.” The Company Partners both equally believe wholeheartedly in San Francisco General Hospital’s mission to serve those in need, especially the marginalized and the low income members of the community, and hope that the new building provides a space for the Hospital to continue its great legacy of service to the people of San Francisco. The project was developed to address the seismic deficiency of the existing acute care hospital in compliance with the California State Senate Bill 1953. It is the only Level 1 Trauma Center in the area and a healthcare safety net for the low income population. The building rests upon a complex base isolated structural foundation system that allows 30 inches of horizontal displacement and 6 inches of vertical displacement. This significantly reduces the effects of earthquake related ground motion from the building, to the point where allowing the Hospital to remain operational after a major seismic event. Committed to Feasibility The 433,000-square-foot building is located at the centre of the Medical Campus, and is connected to the existing Hospital with a ground level plaza, a bridge connection and an underground service tunnel. The new facility contains all the acute care services for the hospital, as well as a new main public lobby and rooftop garden. Ed Lee, Mayor of San Francisco, has heaped appraisal on the new construction, saying, “you don’t often associate public hospitals with world-class standards. Here in San Francisco, we do.” “The new hospital is beautiful, filled with natural light that creates wonderful healing environments for patients and an exceptional place to work for our staff,” says Iman Nazeeri-Simmons, Chief Operating Officer of ZSFGH. “It is a reflection of the best of San Francisco.” The FCA design for the ZSFGH creates a distinct and contemporary centre for the San Francisco General Campus, while also meeting the operational requirements and healing environment required for a hospital.” states David Fong, Design Principal at FCA. “We were honoured to have this opportunity to design one of our most important projects, and to make a 21st- century contribution at the heart of the campus.” The ZSFGH Building is indeed a modern marvel of engineering, showcasing the high standards that FCA strives towards. Its exterior features a dramatic curved glass and steel sunshade façade on both the Potero Avenue and interior Hospital-site elevations. The curved building exterior allows the building to integrate with the adjacent buildings on the very tight site, by stepping back and allowing each adjacent building to interact gracefully with the massing of the new building. A central tower clad in precast concrete with brick cladding, provides a strong central vertical element and relates to the historic brick structures flanking the new building. A double-height atrium with a glass curtain wall and skylight system extends into the plaza, creating a dramatic and welcoming front door for the F Construction