101 California cuts an architecturally vital figure against the backdrop of San Francisco, CA. lt's distinctive granite and glass facade play against its nicked, faceted cylindrical design rising above an open base. It is at this base that the perimeter tube frame receives a face lift, where large 92 ' piers surround an open glass atrium.
The rarity of this structure lies within the weakened base; an efficient steel frame complimented by a moment resisting framed core helps compensate for the loss of stiffness and ductility typically desired within a seismic region. In addition to the seismic responsiveness, the structure was specifically studied at the 8th floor for a blast occurring within the atrium. Large planters were also strategically placed to prevent the running of a 12,000 lb vehicle carrying a bomb directly into exposed columns.