Artful Renovation Turns San Francisco’s Historic Pier 24 Into Enormous Photography Gallery

San Francisco's <a href="http://www.pier24.org/" target="_blank">Pier 24</a>, a dilapidated 28,000 square foot warehouse that was abandoned for decades, is back in business as a world-class destination for fine art photography. Originally built as an annex in 1935, this historic site directly under the Bay Bridge was chosen for remediation by The Pilara Foundation. After its renovation by <a href="http://www.envelopead.com/" target="_blank">+ envelope a+d</a> it is now one of the largest and most energy-efficient exhibit spaces of its kind. We recently had a chance to check out this remarkable renovation during AIA SF's <a href="http://www.aiasf.org/Programs/Public_Programs/Architecture_and_the_City.ht">Architecture and the City Festival</a> - read on for a look inside!

Because the building is designated in the National Register, its renovation had to preserve the site's historic architectural integrity.

<a href="http://www.envelopead.com/proj_pier24.html" target="_blank">Envelope a+d</a> responded to this challenge with a design that embraces the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/lot-ek-proposes-pier-made-of-shipping-containers/">pier's raw</a> warehouse quality. New materials were chosen to compliment the original artifice - not blend into it - and everything added to the space can be removed to restore the building to its found condition.

Pedestrians enter the gallery from a boardwalk above an inactive rail spur off the Embarcadero promenade. The modern double door entryway juts into the first gallery box, where visitors are introduced to the completely climate-controlled environment.

Unlike a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/old-san-francisco-mint-to-become-a-gorgeous-green-museum/" target="_blank">typical museum</a>, there are no title plates or descriptions.

Exhibits are accompanied by a map and a catalog, and vinyl numbers in the middle of each room identify your location. This lack of visual distraction creates a contemplative environment that encourages closer study of the photographs on display.

A two-track electronic and magnetic lighting system provides gallery techs with a huge range of lighting options while reducing operation costs.

Before the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/lutron-unveils-energy-saving-dimmer-switch-for-cfl-and-led-bulbs/" target="_blank">dimmers</a> were installed, monthly electric bills could run as high as $13,000. Motion sensors and five-minute timers turn off lights in vacant rooms helping to bring that cost down to $4,000.

As photographs are <a href="http://inhabitat.com/light-sensitive-wallpaper/" target="_blank">light-sensitive</a>, natural lighting was not an option - windows are covered with a removable 3M film to protect the artwork from direct sunlight.

To make the most of the Bay's windy and otherwise unpredictable weather conditions, seven <a href="http://inhabitat.com/magic-boxes-integrated-mechanical-systems-for-efficient-homes/" target="_blank">HVAC systems</a> were installed.

Flow between the room-scaled boxes isn't predetermined, and roaming the gallery provides a sense of discovery and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/swarm-gallery-vaughn-bell-and-josh-keyes/" target="_blank">awe</a>.

This feeling only increases when you reach the north bayside corner of the warehouse, which opens up to a sensational view of the Bay Bridge and the sailboats beneath it.

Tours are available by appointment only, so call ahead to catch a glimpse of the third installment, <a href="http://www.pier24.org/exhibition/current.html" target="_blank">“Here”</a>. The show includes 700 works by 34 photographers who have lived in or been inspired by the Bay Area.

The gallery's completion comes at a serendipitous time with <a href="http://www.americascup.com/en/Latest/News/2011/9/Mayor-Lee-and-ACEA-announce-plans-to-boost-local-business-participation-in-event/" target="_blank">America's Cup</a> just around the corner and the recent release of <a href="http://www.sfheritage.org/port-city/" target="_blank">"Port City"</a>, a San Francisco Architectural Heritage book that chronicles the rich history of San Francisco’s maritime past.