Redwood Park in San Francisco is nestled at the foot of the Transamerica Pyramid, a tiny refuge open to all. The park’s redwoods are a striking contrast to the San Francisco streetscape, brought to the park years ago from a distant grove as the most distinctive feature of this magical place.
Visitors step over a threshold at the gates of the park, walking onto surface materials that clearly indicate a separate space, distinct from the nearby city bustle, in part because they feel different underfoot.
Within this special zone, there is tremendous support for cognitive refreshment and relaxation. The area is lushly planted and the sounds of wind rustling through the trees, bushes, and other vegetation is rejuvenating, as related published research indicates that it should be. The positions of the nearby buildings and trees, as well as the orientation of the park itself, help block out the sound of city traffic. Natural materials are used, for instance, many seats are made of wood, consistent with comfort-inducing biophilic design. Also consistent with biophilic design are the patches of darker and brighter light created by the redwoods’ branches that dapple the pavement and the seats that support prospect and refuge—they’re up a few steps providing views across the park, and positioned so that people in them feel secure and protected, against a wall whose austerity is cushioned by vegetation. All the plant life generates a “green” smell that is a treat in a city, or anywhere else.
Park visitors have multiple options for how they use the space, several different sorts of seating are available, for example—and studies consistently indicate that this sort of environmental control boosts our wellbeing. People can sit so that they have more or less contact with other park visitors, for instance.
Redwood Park is an urban respite where San Franciscans can refresh their minds and calm their spirits before returning to the frenetic rush of city life.