Wednesday, 9 November 2005 | Elif Sungur
San Jose City Hall Inaugural Opening
The new San Jose City Hall designed by Richard Meier & Partners Architects LLP was officially inaugurated on Saturday, October 15, 2005. The City Hall is located in the center of downtown San Jose, a return to the heart of the city for this major public building. The 530,000sf project is comprised of a three story Council Chamber building, a rotunda facing a new civic plaza and an eighteen story tower which houses municipal offices.
The main entrance faces Santa Clara Street through a sweeping public plaza. The focal point of the plaza is the transparent domed rotunda serving as a visible symbol of the city government. The glass rotunda is reminiscent of traditional domes of important public buildings, despite its contemporary form and materials. The rotunda can accommodate large public events as it stands 108 feet high with a diameter of 100 feet.
"The building is transparent, it's open, it is the way government should be. The new plaza will become a gathering place, where people will convene for weddings, book fairs and even protests."
Richard Meier
The rotunda is complemented to the east by the office tower, which houses city departments and the plaza level permit center. The tower is the tallest in San Jose with its 70 width allows for the maximum penetration of sunlight to the interior. To the west is the council wing which houses the Council Chamber, public meeting rooms, retail spaces and additional departmental offices. The 7,000sf Council Chamber seats 330 people and employs the latest in audio-video technology including large projection displays which are easily seen by the audience and touch screen computers for council members and staff.
In response to the mild climate of San Jose, an emphasis on utilizing sustainable design was employed, including: the use of energy-efficient systems, plenty of natural daylight and natural ventilation, and a strong relationship between indoor and outdoor activities. In addition, the design of the new civic center is unique and recognizable while maintaining the presence and importance of a city hall. The program references the past by incorporating classic features of traditional city halls, while simultaneously reflecting the present as well as looking toward the future.
Construction began in 2002 and the cost of construction was $382 million. Exterior finish materials include stone, metal panel, clear glass and concrete. Michael Palladino was the Partner in Charge for Richard Meier & Partners Architects LLP
For more information, please visit http://www.richardmeier.com
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