Fire-rated glass floor brings vision, transparency to San Francisco’s Union Square Station

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[["images-card",{"images":[{"url":"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/dpcbzfiye\/image\/upload\/v1656620846\/frq8xmi8zwekhapv4bbj.jpg","id":"6521944"}]}],["images-card",{"images":[{"url":"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/dpcbzfiye\/image\/upload\/v1656620899\/byu2qiayveslwjlsboiu.jpg","id":"6521946"}]}],["images-card",{"images":[{"url":"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/dpcbzfiye\/image\/upload\/v1656620958\/xa5jueuevjwduyi0hke8.png","id":"6521949"}]}]],"markups":[["a",["href","http:\/\/designbythebay.com\/","target","_new"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/safti.com\/gpx-fire-floor\/","target","_new"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.tutorperini.com\/","target","_new"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/safti.com\/product\/superlite-ii-xl-120\/","target","_new"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/safti.com\/gpx-architectural-series\/","target","_new"]],["em"],["a",["href","https:\/\/safti.com\/","target","_new"]]],"sections":[[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"Architects specified a decorative, walkable glass floor to bring daylight into the light rail station while adding an artistic touch ideal for the iconic location. AIA partner SAFTI FIRST explores the project."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"A well-thought-out and -executed design is important for any project to succeed, and this is even more critical when designing transit centers. The design has to be functional to efficiently move thousands of people, incorporating advanced technologies, wayfinding techniques, and safety. Because it is also a symbol of the community, aesthetics play a significant role as well. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"These concepts ring true for the upcoming Union Square Station in San Francisco. Scheduled to open later this year, the Muni Metro light rail station includes an underground concourse leading commuters directly to the Powell Street Station, where they can easily link with Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) and other Muni Metro lines."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Because of its prominent location, the design had to be functional and provide an artistic statement fitting this well-known San Francisco destination. According to David Fung of "],[0,[0],1,"Robin Chiang \u0026 Company"],[0,[],0,", project architect for Union Square Station, incorporating light and transparency were very important. To achieve that, the team specified a two-hour glass floor with a decorative walkable surface. The artwork for the glass floor was a commission by local artists Hughen\/Starkweather. This statement piece will \u201cprovide daylighting to cheer up the station entrance, enforce visional connection between Union Square Plaza and the station entrance, and create an additional activity space that incorporates artwork,\u201d Fung said. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"In addition, the two-hour glass floor will also serve as a lightwell to improve wayfinding by welcoming commuters into the expansive underground concourse level."]]],[1,"p",[]],[10,0],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Sharon Heagney, vice president of engineering and project management at SAFTI FIRST, met with the project team to discuss project-specific details and address any material questions they had. \u201cWe provided various art samples that they could analyze and provide the high definition and impact they were looking for,\u201d Heagney said \u201cWe also assisted in other areas such as structural attachment, waterproofing, and overall layout.\u201d "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"SAFTI FIRST provided its "],[0,[1],1,"GPX FireFloor System"],[0,[],0,", a complete fire-resistive glass and framing assembly that meets ASTM E-119\/UL 263 up to two hours with a modular, top-loaded design for easy installation. The walkable art surface was provided by Pulp Studios in Los Angeles and then laminated into a single fire-rated two-hour floor panel in SAFTI FIRST\u2019s facility. Both the fire-resistive glass and fire-resistive structural frame were manufactured in SAFTI FIRST\u2019s facilities in Merced, California. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"At a little over 1,000 square feet, the fire-resistive glass floor brought in the light and openness desired while providing maximum protection against smoke, flames, and radiant heat required by code. Listed by UL and Intertek, the GPX FireFloor System has the largest tested and listed individual glass panel sizes in the market today, easily accommodating the 23-square-foot panels for Union Square Station, which were also butt-glazed together for a more seamless design. The system was designed with a small slope for water drainage off the floors and into the gutters. "]]],[1,"p",[]],[10,1],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Heagney\u2019s team also worked with "],[0,[2],1,"Tutor Perini"],[0,[],0,", the general contractor, and ACR, the glazing contractor. \u201cCoordination with other trades was also key as the art glass had to line up perfectly piece to piece to ensure that the overall image was achieved,\u201d Heagney added. As a local manufacturer, SAFTI FIRST was also able adhere to tight lead times and meet with the installer on site to answer any questions."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"In addition to the two-hour glass floor, SAFTI FIRST also provided the fire-rated glazing and framing for the two-hour glass elevator enclosures, using "],[0,[3],1,"SuperLite II-XL 120"],[0,[],0," in "],[0,[4],1,"GPX Architectural Series Framing"],[0,[],0,", to provide an open and airy feeling while traveling below ground then through the station to reach the platform. Each level is connected fire-rated glazing to continue this airy, artistic feel with light flowing down through each floor. \u201cThe elevator cabs and enclosures are mostly glass to provide safety and security for passengers,\u201d Fung said."]]],[1,"p",[]],[10,2],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"All of the fire-rated materials SAFTI FIRST provided to this project met the Buy America Act required by the government for transportation projects with federal involvement. \u201cWe appreciate any opportunities to showcase USA-made products and systems in our design projects,\u201d Fung added. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"\u201cUnion Square is a San Francisco landmark,\u201d Heagney said. \u201cBeing that SAFTI FIRST began in San Francisco over 40 years ago, we are all very proud that we could be a part of a special project in our own backyard that will be used by millions of people for generations to come.\u201d "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[5],0,"Learn more about SAFTI FIRST at "],[0,[6],1,"https:\/\/safti.com\/"],[0,[],1,". "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[5],1,"AIA does not sponsor or endorse any enterprise, whether \npublic or private, operated for profit. Further, no AIA officer, \ndirector, committee member, or employee, or any of its component \norganizations in his or her official capacity, is permitted to approve, \nsponsor, endorse, or do anything that may be deemed or construed to be \nan approval, sponsorship, or endorsement of any material of construction\n or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in\n any material or product."]]]]}