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STANFORD SHOPPING
CENTER EXPANSION RETAIL PAVILION: PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA
The design requirements of this project were to construct a highly visible building with four public facades and four important corners. This was to be accomplished using materials that convey elegance and high quality with enduring appearance that fit within the context of Stanford, the appearance of neighboring retail and the nearby University, all on a tight budget that called for design flexibility and low maintenance. Concrete masonry units were selected as the primary building material for the retail pavilion, because aesthetic characteristics and technical flexibility resolve the primary design challenges. The building’s design demonstrates an elegant expression of concrete masonry, a material more commonly used for efficiency and economy. Special modules of concrete masonry block 4-inches by 16-inches were custom colored, recalling the buff colored stone and masonry used to build the Stanford campus. The horizontal mortar joints between blocks are raked, while the vertical joints are struck flush to accentuate the horizontality of the single story building and provide a textured, articulated finish. Bearing concrete masonry is used both as a structural system and exterior finish, demonstrating concrete masonry block’s versatility as a construction and finish choice and its capability to deliver cost efficiency to the client. The structural and wall enclosure savings allowed the quality of display and entrance elements of the building’s design to be enhanced. The retail design is highlighted at high visibility glass corners, which are articulated below a cantilevered concrete masonry block structure. The glazed aluminum storefronts read as light and transparent in contrast to the solidity of the façade’s concrete masonry bearing wall. Aluminum framed fabric awnings at the street elevations provide shade and accentuate the retail windows. In contrast with the earth-tone of the concrete masonry block, concrete columns with steel canopies create arcades at north and south facades to announce the store’s entries. Rich natural landscaping provides the finishing elegant touches that complement the building’s concrete masonry block and glass design expression.
ARCHITECT: ELS Architecture and Urban
Design Geno Yun, AIA OWNER: Stanford Management Company |
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JURY
COMMENTS:
Every
detail of this project was well done and pulled together.
The Jury was impressed with how the architect used concrete
masonry on details such as the eaves – something that
isn’t commonly done. We also liked how the masses of
stone are tied together by materials that don’t hide
the masonry, but rather add to its appeal.
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