The imposing Transamerica Pyramid is the tallest and most famous skyscraper in this city. Originally constructed to function as the headquarters of the Transamerica Corporation, the building no longer carries out this role, but remains inseparable from the image of Transamerica.
Situated at the famous Montgomery Block, the Transamerica Pyramid stands 260m tall, and at the time of its completion in 1972 ranked among the five tallest buildings in the world. Containing no less than 48 floors of office space, it was at one time the tallest building west of the Mississippi.
The building takes the shape of an elongated four-sided pyramid, with two extensions that house a smoke tower and stairwell on the west and an elevator shaft on the east. The Pyramid appears vibrant white in color due to a layer of crushed quartz applied on its exterior, while the 64m spire is clad with aluminium panels. During the Christmas season, a bright light is lit on the pinnacle of the spire.
It was Transamerica President John R. Beckett who suggested the building's unconventional shape, observing that the shape of trees allowed sunlight and fresh air to reach the areas below. Accordingly renowned architect William Pereira translated this vision to reality, successfully achieving these objectives.
At the top of the building's spire are located four cameras forming a virtual observation deck; the zoom and direction of the cameras can be manipulated by visitors via the monitors in the lobby which provide a glimpse over the skyline 24 hours a day.
A large proportion of skyscrapers were constructed during a period of intense building activity that occurred from the 1960s to the 1980s. Civic authority regulations slowed down the building activity in the 1990s but in recent years shortage of building space has caused a resumption of high-rise construction, promising further additions to San Francisco's already impressive skyline.
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