Salesforce Transit Center

SALESFORCE TRANSIT CENTER IN SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

The Salesforce Transit Center project in San Francisco was implemented in 2018 and includes a Bus Fountain by artist Ned Kahn, which uses 219 water jets synchronized with bus vibrations to create a mesmerizing water display for commuters, tourists, and residents. Initiators were the Transbay Joint Powers Authority and the San Francisco Arts Commission.

Photo credit: Daniel Netz, BigCasino Photography [1]

2018

CONTEXT

The Bus Fountain is a unique and impressive art piece located at the Salesforce Transit Center in San Francisco. Designed by artist Ned Kahn, it's a 1,000-foot-long curving water display that runs along the park's northern side, featuring flush-deck vertical water jets [1]. The fountain is designed to look like a river of water, and the way it curves and flows is mesmerizing.

INTERVENTION STRATEGIES

The rooftop park features a unique soundscape strategy that uses 219 stationary vertical water jets that are activated by sensors sensitive to the vibrations generated by buses moving on the lower deck. The height, frequency, and movement of the water jets are synchronized with the bus activity to provide a visually and perceptibly mesmerizing representation of bus arrivals and departures [1].

Present day

OBSERVATIONS

Kahn has described the fountain as a colossal musical instrument that bus drivers play, and his creative vision enhances the waiting-for-the-bus experience to a remarkable level [1].

References

[1] Salesforce Transit Center. Retrieved 13th March 2023, from https://californiawaters.com/portfolio/projects/water-features-fountains/salesforce-transit-center/

Entry submitted by: Xiaochao Chen