Architect Explores San Francisco's Distinctive Styles | Walking Tour

Architect Explores San Francisco's Distinctive Styles | Walking Tour | Architectural Digest

Рет қаралды 616,245

Күн бұрын

Today on AD Architect James Dixon leads us on a walking tour of San Francisco, highlighting the captivating details found in its storied architecture. From the iconic Transamerica Pyramid and Hallidie Building to Postcard Row, the Presidio and more - discover the history behind San Francisco’s most famous buildings and neighborhoods through James Dixon’s expert eye.
Director: Hiatt Woods
Director of Photography: Florian Pilsl
Editor: Tristen Rogers
Talent: James Dixon
Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Producer: Skylar Economy
Associate Producer: Brandon Fuhr
Production Manager: Melissa Heber
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
AC/Media Management: Ariel Rozenbaum
Audio: Simon Gordon
Production Assistant: Carlo Betia, Rahbar Khan
Post Production Supervisor: Nick Ascanio, Alexa Deutsch
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Assistant Editor: Billy Ward
Graphics Supervisor: Ryan Powell
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Пікірлер: 462

@ronripley2247 Жыл бұрын

MORE of this, please! James' passion and extensive knowledge completely pulled me in and spoke to my own adoration of architecture and design! I am a Bay Area native yet I still learned a TON from this tour. Bravo!!!

@DoahnKea_Tuber Жыл бұрын

Well Said.

@huntrrams Жыл бұрын

Ikr! I love this!

@IvyFox1 Жыл бұрын

Agreed!!!

@annabellemerlin8502 Жыл бұрын

SO well said and I could not agree more!

@WineCrazed Жыл бұрын

10000000% agreed!!!!!!!!!!!!

@bluepearlgirl-emelie Жыл бұрын

I could listen to this guy talk about the architecture in my town for hours and hours! This is my favorite thing to be doing. THANK YOU! Bravo!

@chriscatton705 Жыл бұрын

I agree!! So articulate and descriptive

@TylerShibata Жыл бұрын

@@chriscatton705 lol poo

@ebeyslough Жыл бұрын

Incredible. San Francisco needed this to combat all the negative press. SF at its core is beautiful.

@sulevisydanmaa9981 11 ай бұрын

To put it ,mildly ...

@luistinoco7794 10 ай бұрын

@@phillipbanes5484you don’t know anything about SF and it shows

@63artemisia63 2 ай бұрын

@ebeyslough Where are you seeing “negative press” and what is it?

@63artemisia63 Ай бұрын

@ebeyslough What “negative press”?

@fadedidentity Ай бұрын

@@63artemisia63have you been living under a rock for the past decade? all everyone talks about nowadays is how SF is a total wasteland entirely overthrown by homeless, drug addicted zombies

@tallSycamore Жыл бұрын

Oh, how I miss living in San Francisco. America's most beautiful city wrapped in a living veil of fog and light. Every day was a changing visual delight. I never felt frustrated when traffic snarled - there was always something new to rest my eyes on.

@noble604 Жыл бұрын

WOW what a great attitude! May this be the pleasant attitude for us all! Thanks

@juicehammer Жыл бұрын

I never realized that before. I don't car commute in SF but traffic never bothers me because there's so much to see

@TG8. Жыл бұрын

Love this!!

@omitina7156 Жыл бұрын

Oh my Lord God. Serious delusion here. I was born and raised here. I continue to live and work here. What a joke of a video.

@sashabootcher888 Жыл бұрын

@@omitina7156 I agree with you, I came from the Midwest to San Francisco and the cheapest rent was the tenderloin, now I know why! Wonder what he thinks about the architecture down here 😂

@dansdans4885 Жыл бұрын

I love how he explains the 2nd and 3rd Bay Area styles in an architectural manner, and then 1st Bay Area Style is just "drop dead gorgeous". Couldn't agree more!

@jakeryans2196 Жыл бұрын

San Francisco is such a unique city in America. Almost like why would anyone think to build a metropolis on such rugged terrain. But also, I've never seen a city that boasts such beautiful views from so many vantage points. Looking at it from a financial standpoint, this city has gone through so many highs and lows but it will never go out of style because of how goddamn beautiful it can be.

@arifjohariali Жыл бұрын

Love seeing more coverage of NorCal! I'd love to see an explanation of the different types of Victorian in SF.

@MoonChild-po9du Жыл бұрын

And what places are you recommending? And what architect?

@TheSportsandFilmFellowship Жыл бұрын

They did it kzfaq.info/get/bejne/ha6CacWmmajRcqs.html

@AlphaGeekgirl Жыл бұрын

@@MoonChild-po9du What do you mean? They already said, “Victorians in San Francisco”! Or are you asking for a specific list of all the addresses?

@tatianafoule6257 Жыл бұрын

Too many likes ... respond to my sugestion here up please....... ....

@tatianafoule6257 Жыл бұрын

@@MoonChild-po9du ohhh do you still eating salmón ?

@axnyslie Жыл бұрын

I was a bike messenger in San Francisco in the 1990s. I've been inside all these buildings many times. The internal designs were just as intriguing it was a fun job always exploring the streets and buildings of SF.

@andyprice Жыл бұрын

I wished I was been a bike messenger in the 1990s.

@1Skorpia Жыл бұрын

James needs his own series here. He's natural teacher that keeps the class hooked. I love his energy and passion. I love anything design and learning new things. I'm dying to see more of him😁

@napanest1019 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for finally giving SF some love. It’s an architectural treasure trove and I love walking this city every day! ❤

@tatianafoule6257 Жыл бұрын

Fluid of a river moves my strenght to live.

@dopenerd Жыл бұрын

As a native San Franciscan, I've walked or drove by these places and it's always a treat to hear their history. One other building that has a unique "Mayan" theme is the building at 450 Sutter, Google it. I used to go to the dentist there, it's a beautiful building in its own right.

@Benjorunner 11 ай бұрын

I did check it out on google maps, its a beautiful building!

@DrFrankyDolan Жыл бұрын

THANK YOU for this! San Francisco is sincerely one of the most BEAUTIFUL cities in the entire world! The architecture, the hillsides, the ocean views, the bay views, the rich art history, the surrounding areas with vineyards, redwoods and coastline, and a culture of extreme kindness and acceptance… Truly, truly, it is a life-changing experience for most people just to visit! The song that sings of leaving your heart in San Francisco is a very true and real sentiment. The fog is so soft, it’s like cotton clouds soothing your skin, and the sun is as golden as the gate, feeling like a warm hug whenever it kisses your face. Yes, I absolutely love this amazing city in the world. My favorite place to ever live. When I am there, I am home. And so many people feel the exact same way. LOVE San Francisco!

@TG8. Жыл бұрын

Your and others' comments are like love letters to San Francisco. Something about this city makes people write poetry!!

@DrFrankyDolan Жыл бұрын

@@TG8. Yes, what a beautiful way to say that! There is truly a warm sparkly spirit to the city, one that you can feel in your cells. It ignites creativity and inspiration. It's amazing. Thank you for your kind reply as well. It means a lot! ~ Wishing you well, my friend!

@ownedbymykitty270 Жыл бұрын

I’m a Bay Area native who’s been all over the world and especially blown away by places like Paris, Amsterdam, Istanbul, and Tokyo, but… SF is still the most beautiful city in the world. All the ones I mentioned above have mostly flat topography, lack microclimates, and don’t have the sheer diversity and West Coast wackiness of SF.

@CooperJeanne Жыл бұрын

This is the best walking tour in the series! Jam packed with information in a story telling style, James Dixon is a talented lecturer!

@blairwilliams136 Жыл бұрын

Did a full day walk around SF last summer, the architecture there is something truly special and amazing.

@minime4644 Жыл бұрын

Just moved from NY to SF and this is a great guide to understanding the city for me! This is so helpful ☺️👏

@californiamade5608 Жыл бұрын

What made you move to SF. Curious.

@kyuj2884 Жыл бұрын

@@californiamade5608 homeless in NYC isnt enough for him... he want more lol.

@michaelwilliams5506 Жыл бұрын

@@kyuj2884 you know, there aren't homeless encampments in all parts of sf. Most of the city doesn't have that problem

@03200320z Жыл бұрын

As a San Francisco native, this makes my heart sing

@LenaMMcKee Жыл бұрын

What I learned in school being a native from there is that after the 1906 earthquake they decided to rebuild it as the Paris of the Pacific so they borrowed a lot of ornate architectural styles from Europe

@santiagogunterg Жыл бұрын

these series exploring the architecture of cities are by far my favorite thing in AD´s youtube channel! please keep doing them! would love to see Chicago or Savannah next.

@XxDreamBotxX Жыл бұрын

I can listen to this man talk about architecture for hours. He's got the look, great lecturer, and does not make the topic come off pretentious

@StudioBAS Жыл бұрын

As a resident of this amazing city I’m loving all the San Francisco content lately! This video was fantastic! Id love to see more about all the housing styles here

@dcflow7859 Жыл бұрын

This man is enlightened with the spirit of passion! What an incredible energy and what a fluid and entertaining speaker. Love this along with the presentations of the buildings.

@dre.supreme Жыл бұрын

WOW love this walking tour. James thanks for your outstanding dictation!

@huntrrams Жыл бұрын

I want a full hour tour of this guy talking about SF buildings! This was a pretty good video!

@susanbaker2796 Жыл бұрын

Agree. This was an excellent video. I was blown away by the host.

@dolcevitausa6448 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for reminding me why I love my city even with an ineffective administration and all the challenges it is facing at this time....

@befoogii1134 Жыл бұрын

James Dixon is an incredible guide - thank you!

@szymonpifczyk Жыл бұрын

This series needs to be continued! Some ideas: 450 Sutter St (mind-blowing Mayan revival lobby), houses in the Sunset and the Mission Dolores basilica

@user-gu8jn7cy5d Жыл бұрын

Absolutely adored your walking tour, it makes one want to visit the place and see with one's own eyes!

@b.l.8611 Жыл бұрын

Please do these types of tours all over the US….great speaker and tour guide on architecture!

@modernvillacompany Жыл бұрын

Hello B.L. dear friend I hope you are fine . I guess you are interested in architecture and villa design. If you are interested in these topics I'm glad you visit my channel Our team uploads new videos every day, I am sure you will like them

@dbowe4415 Жыл бұрын

This is the best walking tour I’ve seen on this channel. My guy has so much knowledge, yet never sounds presumptuous. He explains what the viewer is looking at so effectively. Well done!

@planecrashcorner7283 Жыл бұрын

I'd love to see walking tours of north beach, the mission, the sunset, the Richmond, etc

@danielheaton Жыл бұрын

Very, very fascinating. I went to San Francisco in 2015 and saw many of the locations mentioned in this video. LOVE San Francisco and I LOVED this video.

@abyrupus Жыл бұрын

Love his passionate opinion on hippies painting houses pink. More from this individual please.

@MisadventuresOfJason Жыл бұрын

LMAO me too! Comment I was looking for

@FridayAdventureClub Жыл бұрын

Never been more HYPED about first Bay Area style!

@laucon11 Жыл бұрын

More of this and fewer celeb homes please.

@annetteziegler7944 Жыл бұрын

Well done! More from this guy Dixon, please. Keep up the great work, AD! Thumbs up.

@gemstonesparkle7915 Жыл бұрын

I love the way he uses all words he can to compliment the old buildings for their beauty. It shows passion and I am here for it! Do Charleston next.

@wwaxwork Жыл бұрын

Oh Charleston would be amazing to learn about.

@Darciinz Жыл бұрын

Bravo....Bravo....An amazing lecture while walking the streets, and Mr James Dixon was wonderful, and I was captivated by his knowledge and great descriptions and insight. Please do more of these small docos.

@ThinWhiteAxe Жыл бұрын

His hair is unreasonably fabulous

@KMELT Жыл бұрын

James ❤this👏🏻is 👏🏻so 👏🏻much 👏🏻fun! +1 for “MORE of this, please!“

@thittysanbar Жыл бұрын

I am so inspired by this KZfaq channel, I'm about to graduate from highschool and ever since I've been 8 years old I knew i wanted to be an architect. It what keeps me going while maintaining good grades. I know it's a hard and intimidating thing to study especially cuz math. Yet I think i have what it takes. And even tho I'm scared I will push my self to do my absolute best! Thank you so much Ad for inspiring me every day!!!

@bananasplit4501 Жыл бұрын

you got this! it is okay to be unsure, pursue what makes your soul sing anyhow!!!!

@paillette2010 Жыл бұрын

Omg…he’s marvelous. I think you need more of this gentleman.

@susanbaker2796 Жыл бұрын

I could listen to James Dixon talk for hours. He is fascinating. I hung on his every word. Seriously. More of James, AD. Please!

@ginabonina6427 Жыл бұрын

So great! I could listen to him all day. Great hair and love the collar on that shirt. Proud to say that I've been to nearly all of those locations, including under the Bay Bridge! Yay Area!!

@fixpacifica Жыл бұрын

Fascinating stuff. I walk through a lot of these areas in SF and am always happy to learn something new about them.

@Inspower Жыл бұрын

There’s so much

@elenayee3093 Жыл бұрын

I'd love to see walking tours of smaller cities like Providence, RI

@timothymacdonnell9079 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, James, for setting the record straight about painted ladies!

@BobbyBermuda1986 Жыл бұрын

Palace of Fine Arts is another beautiful structure

@matthewadams5476 Жыл бұрын

Cities like NYC and San Francisco come up on this channel every other week, lets get some variety!!

@laus7080 Жыл бұрын

17 percent of Americans live in California and NY, so there is quite some diversity to be found in these highly urban areas.

@pascale110 Жыл бұрын

@@laus7080 there’re other places within the US and 17% isn’t much .

@FlyAVersatran Ай бұрын

Mr. Dixon, YOU are a fabulous presenter. Thank you.

@posthocprior Жыл бұрын

That was fantastic. This architect presents SF's with a great amount of knowledge and passion.

@DingoAteMeBaby Жыл бұрын

Man this guy is so likeable

@geoffnmn2511 Жыл бұрын

Love this guy. Wish the video was 2 hrs long.

@kaitlinroth7555 Жыл бұрын

more of this guy please!! he's such a joy to watch.

@bhristian Жыл бұрын

My old neighborhood off Green and Montgomery, what an insane view of the transamerica building and cityscape

@ayemyatmon2692 Жыл бұрын

I went there in 2019. The city are beautiful and the building are so unique.

@rygregory Жыл бұрын

He’s such a great storyteller! He should do Berkeley next. Some excellent First Bay Area style buildings there!

@PeterSantenello Жыл бұрын

Fantastic video!

@Gtfobcso2024 2 ай бұрын

I agree! I live in SF now, fled FL and NO REGRETS! I love your videos as well, Peter Santenello.

@californiamade5608 Жыл бұрын

Some impressive underrated architecture in San Francisco. People always think Chicago, NYC for architecture. San Francisco has some of the best in the nation. The pyramid was also the 8th tallest IN THE WORLD when completed. It also has some of the best earthquake engineering in the world. As well as Salesforce Tower, 181 Fremont, Bank Of America Building (555 California), park tower, Rincon hill tower, and so many more. The Salesforce Tower would be the 5th tallest tower in Chicago if it was standing there today. The city deserves so much more credit.

@raystaar Жыл бұрын

I lived in SF during the construction of both the Transamerica and B of A Headquarters buildings. They were almost universally hated at the time and many old timers still regard them as anathema.

@Beck-Stein Жыл бұрын

This guy is awesome. I live sf history and this guy has it all in his head.

@lani2023 Жыл бұрын

Wow!!! This was one of the most incredible, informative things I've ever watched on KZfaq, across subject matter. Thank you!

@paul1458 Жыл бұрын

I could watch this for hours! So interesting! Start a series with different architects showing different cities

@walkalong2811 Жыл бұрын

Never been in California. It is definitely on my bucket list. Meanwhile I enjoy it through your videos. You just got a new subscriber!!!!

@elopez1882 Жыл бұрын

Amazing how many of these buildings I've encountered and given little thought beyond how fascinating their designs are. So much history.

@caesaraugustus7587 Жыл бұрын

James is the BEST architect so far! OMG! We need MORE of him!!! WOW!

@SoCalFreelance Жыл бұрын

Recommend the A24 film "The Last Black Man in San Francisco" which illustrates the passion many of us have for historic homes like those found in San Francisco.✌

@RoseEyed Жыл бұрын

I'd love to see a series like this on Chicago. All the stories behind buildings we see in passing is fascinating!

@californiamade5608 Жыл бұрын

There’s plenty on Chicago

@craigcab1656 Жыл бұрын

What a great video! So much history in these buildings.

@ricamaeguiyab3529 Жыл бұрын

I’m going to San Francisco in November so the upload of this content is quite timely! I can’t wait to see these places in real life.

@oakblaze433 4 ай бұрын

How was it?

@peacenow4456 2 ай бұрын

My dear Dad worked on 43th floor of B of A building. As Dad was an Exec., I could stand in the apex of his office window and be beyond the building... and force myself to look down, and I once had a date take me to the restaurant at the top of B of A... I interviewed in TransAmerica building when it was new and I was young and I remember how rickety it felt going up and down in the elevator and it seemed hot inside the offices.

@Dev1nci Жыл бұрын

A very passionate tour. Thank you 👏🏽👏🏽🤩

@michaelambrosano938 Жыл бұрын

oh my heart swelled watching this video of my SF and all it's beauty,..I grew up in the Bay Area and lived in SF for 15 years until 2005,,.even with all its blemishes it is still the jewel of California

@prestondufauchard5919 Жыл бұрын

Terrific video. For years I worked in downtown SF so I’ve been in most of these buildings, but didn’t realize the architectural intentions. Thx James, you are great.

@alanajean3568 Жыл бұрын

what an intelligent guy

@LanceRoylo Жыл бұрын

This was excellent. James knows his stuff and knows how to present it interestingly.

@jamesr1703 Жыл бұрын

Learned a lot here and the narrator's way of speaking was extremely easy to understand.

@jakobdees3489 Жыл бұрын

wow this guys knows his stuff AND is a very entertaining though clear speaker. Loved it!

@AKhan.28 Жыл бұрын

Those shingle houses are drop dead gorgeous

@suzymorais8862 Жыл бұрын

Quel plaisir d’écouter quelqu’un qui vous parle avec passion. Mon rêve est de connaître San Francisco et voilà que j’ai le meilleur guide rien que pour moi😊 avant d’y arriver. Un jour un jour…

@daddythomas1389 Жыл бұрын

Thank you for a fascinating presentation!! Very impressed by your knowledge and your power to express it so simply and clearly!! Really really enjoyed listening to this little jewel of architecture Hope we get to see a lot more of you James! That was fantastic!

@BrennenL Жыл бұрын

See, Architects are incredible - yet, the people; the teams who take those blue prints and piece all of these things together, is what really mesmerizes me.

@sonyasimmons3913 Жыл бұрын

Fabulous tour!! I would love to see more of San Fransico and hear from the captivating, brilliant guide! Fantastic job, James. You managed to bring the stunning structures to life. AD, more please!

@KevinBingham Жыл бұрын

The Hallidie Building ( 3:50 ) is an office building in the Financial District of San Francisco, California, at 130 Sutter Street, between Montgomery Street and Kearny Street. Designed by architect Willis Polk and named in honor of San Francisco cable car pioneer Andrew Smith Hallidie, it opened in 1918 and though credited as the first American building to feature glass curtain walls,[3] it was in fact predated by Louis Curtiss's Boley Clothing Company building in Kansas City, Missouri, completed in 1909.

@LaValeriana_ Жыл бұрын

I was a bit disappointed when architect Nick wasn't the guide, but I absolutely loved the playful and fun-fact explanation of architect James on this Walking Tour installment. My favorite part: "this is third, this is second, and this is Drop. Dead. Gorgeous"

@alanajean3568 Жыл бұрын

pleasssseee do more walking tours. they're fantastic

@bauman7962 Жыл бұрын

Wow! I drive by almost all of these buildings every weekend and I had no idea. Thank you

@63artemisia63 Ай бұрын

James Dixon is a ROCK STAR! 🤯 More, please!

@williamzavlaris4054 Жыл бұрын

Wonderful tour of some of the architectural gems in S.F. Of course the negative comments come right out of the Fox News script. So sad.

@planecrashcorner7283 Жыл бұрын

More bay area, SF content please!

@jasminepetal3972 8 ай бұрын

I love these architect vids where they explain styles whether they're sitting in the office or actually out n about like this vid. Keep these comin pleaseee!!!!

@wwaxwork Жыл бұрын

Great job with this series finding people so passionate and knowledgeable about their subject, James is a delight, I could listen to him talk for hours.

@random22026 10 ай бұрын

SUBLIME tour. Compliments to Mr. Dixon! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

@MisadventuresOfJason Жыл бұрын

I love the passion when he speaks about the Presidio block!

@barbiec4312 Жыл бұрын

This guy was great to listen to. His passion is contagious. Thank you.

@garytours3588 8 ай бұрын

Thank you James ! Fabulous ! I'm a private tour guide and a few weeks ago I was picking up people at the Galleria Park Hotel on Sutter. Across the street the Hallidie bldg caught my eye and I shot a photo. Didn't know what it was but it caught my eye. I thought it was New Orleans-esque. Stunning !

@CoronaTheVirus 11 ай бұрын

100% more of this!! This was great , listening in the morning, this guy is awesome, I quit working in architecture but I still love architecture.

@lilanahrgang5692 Жыл бұрын

I have lived there for twelve years, and gosh I miss it🥲

@lupearenas5994 Жыл бұрын

I could listen to Mr. Davis all day. More PLEASE!

@henrymanzano2201 Жыл бұрын

Fun fact for movie buffs: the front stairs at 555 California Street were used as the front of the building for the 1974 disaster film "The Towering Inferno". It's the scene where Fred Astaire first arrives. The shots of the lobby and exterior of the "Glass Tower" are from the Westin Embarcadero Hotel,which was built in 1973. There's definitely a lot to see,both in this video and across San Francisco itself. I haven't had the chance to actually go there yet,but SF has fascinated me since I was a kid,and this video showed me even more stuff that's worth looking for that I wouldn't ordinarily have noticed. I'm a fan of this whole channel now,thanks to its hosts' enthusiasm and how they explain things in an accessible way. Thank you!

@henrymanzano2201 Жыл бұрын

Correction: the hotel is actually a Hyatt Regency

@iditenahui Жыл бұрын

Such an interesting and informative video about SF. I have been to SF a couple of times and love this city’s architecture, parks, and art. Thank you to the guide for the history and details shared!