12 structures and spaces that redefine San Francisco — and the lessons that they teach

Choosing the word that sums up the evolution of San Francisco’s urban landscape these past 10 years is easy: profound.

After that things get real difficult, real fast.

Architectural trends can seem irrelevant in a region where the demand for housing is so strong and so many familiar haunts have been transformed. But if we ignore how our surroundings are treated, the physical qualities that make this place memorable could be undermined.

With that in mind, here’s my take on the city’s urban design high points since 2010. San Francisco is being remade before our eyes. Pausing to take stock can help raise standards in the decade to come.