Day: June 13, 2018

Makeovers are not only applicable to people. The process of redevelopment or restoration are also done on structures like houses, office buildings and schools. Now, reports say that a momentous redevelopment project is on the way. It is going to take place in one of the most historic piers in San Francisco.

Critics mention that the said renovation will not only provide jobs, it will also create a bold impact on the fourth most populous city in California.

Infrastructure developers such as the Forest City Realty Trust Incorporated has innovative plans for California. The real estate company has been eyeing to redevelop Pier 70 for almost 10 years. The Forest City has recently received good news. They were able to launch works for revamping the famous waterfront in San Francisco.

Jack Sylvan is the Senior Vice President of the Forest City. He said, “Along the waterfront, imagine people dining at restaurants and bars, and a cultural arts building that opens up to an expansive lawn where residents are enjoying a concert. Meanwhile, people lounge on oversized porch swings taking in views of the Bay Bridge and downtown San Francisco.”

The futuristic plans for Pier 70 will include 1,100 to 2,150 residential units, nine acres of open space and new parks. It will also have 900,000 to 1.75 million square feet of commercial space and 90,000 square feet artist studio space. In addition, Pier 70 will have broad transportation management program and 12,000 employees.

The project also aims to restore three famous structures in Pier 70 including Building 12. Forest City will try to bring back the elegance of the said structure. The Port of San Francisco will assist the Forest City in the revamping project.

As the Executive Director of the Port of San Francisco, Elaine Forbes believes so much in the project. According to her, “This project will provide long-term value for the city and its residents.”

A Glimpse of What Is To Come

There will be no redevelopment without  a new design plan. However, when it comes to Pier 70, James Corner, Field Operations got it all covered. Reports suggested that the new waterfront parks have state-of-the-art designs.

The new Pier 70 will have many open spaces. It is going to feature various public arts from large steel frames to meadow plantings. The construction design will play a vital role not just in the park’s aesthetic but to people’s safety as well.

Because the pier is near the shoreline, James Corner Field Operations made sure that the structure would have protections against potential water rise. They planned to raise the grade of Pier 70 and elevate Building 12.

There is still no official date for the completion of Phase 1. However, officials did say that they expect the first stage of work to finish in 2021 or 2022.

Pier 70 may be a historic waterfront but it already needs a total makeover. Forest City and all its project partners are making sure that they do an exemplary job. They want to modernize and innovate the pier but at the same time, preserve its historic elements.

May 1, 1893. President Grover Cleveland flipped a switch, and under the dazzling glow of 160 thousand light bulbs, the World Columbian Exposition was officially opened. The World Columbian Exposition was often referred to as the “Fair that Changed America.” Also known as the Chicago World Fair, this was the event that gave birth to the future. The modern world will not be the same without the groundbreaking innovations presented in this fair. It introduced some of the quintessential American items such as Wrigley’s Juicy Fruit, Cracker Jack, the zipper, the dishwasher, the moving walkway, and the Ferris wheel.

The years between 1860 and early 1900s were marked by unprecedented industrial and technological developments. Innovations that had significant impact on human lives were discovered in this era. This period gave us the automobile, airplane, television and radio, photography, and computer. This list goes on. The world was at the heart of frenzied technological revolution. This was because of the great demand for technologies that could help improve the quality of people’s lives. Moreover, inventors were able to gain support from various institutions for their bold ideas and technological breakthroughs.

Disruption in the 21^st Century

Innovation in the 21^st century has taken a different form. It has been overturning a lot of conventions and goes by its new name—disruption. The world has been trying to keep up with disruptive forces such as the Internet of Things, Cloud, Mobility, Automation, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence. Not to mention the challenges of the modern world such as the shifting political and societal landscape, and environmental changes. The challenge to our society is to create an environment that supports and allows technological advancement while confronting these forces.

How to Create an Ecosystem That Supports Innovation

Disruptions turn traditional business models upside down. The need for a more resilient and more efficient innovation infrastructure has become more crucial. Cities and communities must create ecosystems that supports innovation.

1. First is to create a network. Cities and communities must create a platform where innovators can meet investors; apprentice can find mentors; companies to touch base with experts and consultants. A growing number of cities across the country are following this concept. Tampa Bay Region in Florida is a great example. Through Synapse, the city has been creating opportunities for startups and new entrepreneurs to introduce the next innovation.
2. Make the network dynamic and responsive. Creating a venue where players in the innovation game can meet is just the first step. The next step is to make these networks responsive to the needs of the community. There has to be a mechanism where innovators can reach out to each other and share experiences. Best practices should easily spread and diffuse across the community.
3. Allow innovations to thrive. Startups and new businesses are often at the mercy of market response. Cities and communities must create a system for fast and early innovation adoption. Educating the market is vital because commitment to a product or service stems from a compelling value proposition.

The progressive development of the humankind is dependent on innovation. We are making ourselves ready for the future when we create infrastructures that support innovation. But disruptions are definitely going to touch us. The question now is when and up to what degree. Let the innovators innovate. This is the only way to be ready.