680 Folsom designed by SOM. Photo © Cesar Rubio
Renovation is one of the most sustainable things you can do in architecture and SOM just proved it with their latest project – 680 Folsom in downtown San Francisco. The dark and monolithic 1960s building was reinvented into an airy, glass structure that has just been awarded LEED Platinum. Reusing the strong steel structure, SOM upgraded the building’s seismic capabilities. They also added a high performance glass curtain wall, which engages the pedestrian zone and the rest of the community and creates bright and energy efficient office spaces within.