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Commission hears updates on SFO campus plans, Pier 27 public art and new installations; staff notes accessibility fixes
Summary
At its Feb. 3 meeting the Arts Commission received committee reports on SFO Terminal 3 modernization and the Westfield campus master plan, approved a revised Pier 27 public art budget with Port contribution, and heard updates on public-art installations and accessibility work at City Hall.
The San Francisco Arts Commission on Monday reviewed major public‑art and civic‑design projects, including early design work for SFO's Terminal 3 modernization and the large Westfield employee campus, a funding update for a Pier 27 cruise‑terminal artwork and an update on a temporary stainless‑steel sculpture slated for Patricia's Green.
Abby Schneier, chair of the Civic Design Review Committee, briefed commissioners on two recent reviews: the Terminal 3 West modernization (the C4C connector phase 2) and the Westfield Campus master plan. Schneier described the Terminal 3 presentation as showing an animated walkthrough and material samples, and said the committee "complimented the overall design and how it fits into the overall context of the airport design." She added that the team had been careful about sun‑shading fins and other environmental details.
Schneier said the Westfield Campus review was conceptual; the campus design will be constructed in phases over many years and includes a multi‑level parking structure and cargo buildings. Commissioners asked designers to "soften the image of the large scale" by varying materials and massing and to plan for wind patterns and levels of employee comfort on site. The committee asked SFO to work with the Arts Commission's public‑art staff to create a campus public‑art master plan that bundles funding and programming for future artworks.
Visual Arts Committee Chair Susie Farris reported that the Pier 27 cruise terminal public art project by Anna Teresa Fernandez was revised for modular polycarbonate tile construction that allows localized repair and replacement. The Port agreed to contribute an additional $61,000 plus a waiver of port fees; combined with internal savings this funds a $98,890 contract increase that restores the artist's 20% fee and project contingency.
Director of Cultural Affairs Ralph Remington updated commissioners on agency programming and public‑art activity: the Art at City Hall exhibition "Metaphors of Recent Times" is on view through June 20, 2025; the department's annual convening is scheduled for Feb. 20 at the Herbst Theater; and staff commissioned new video work for the 49 South Van Ness Video Wall Art Program. He also reported that the wheelchair lift at the Goodlett Polk Street entrance to City Hall has repeatedly broken down; the commission's communications said the lift is being replaced with an expected completion in May 2025.
Remington also noted a temporary installation of a polished‑stainless steel sculpture by Ole Labick ("Talking Heads") that will be on display in Patricia's Green for one year beginning January 2026; staff said early interactions with children prompted temporary safety precautions and that more aesthetically appropriate safeguards are being explored.
No formal votes were required on the design reviews or the Pier 27 contract increase at the commission meeting; the Port's additional contribution was described during the Visual Arts Committee report and reflected staff actions on that project.
Commissioners thanked committee members and staff for the work, and asked for continued coordination between SFO, the Arts Commission and other city departments on art enrichment and campus design.
