Exposing the dynamic potential of a building under construction was behind the development of the seismic exoskeleton that became one of the defining elements of Xiao-Yen’s house.

On a sloping lot, with views to the west, the architects were asked to design a house for a family in an urban setting that would express the client and designers’ shared love of simple materials and clean detailing, and the desire for well juxtaposed spaces.

As a tagline, “building better libraries for stronger communities” might be a little trite, but it does sum up San Francisco’s ambitions for its branch-improvement program — an ongoing building campaign funded in part by a $105.9 million bond passed by city voters in 2000.

The Sava Pool, designed for both recreational and competitive functions, is situated at the southern end of a public park between a vehicular thoroughfare and a residential neighborhood.