Baldauf Catton von Eckartsberg Architects, or BCV Architects for short, is a design firm that has taken a “new ruralism” approach to sustainability.  The expression “new ruralism” – conceived by Sibella Kraus at the Institute of Urban and Regional Development in Berkeley – is about improving city design by bringing country living back into the city.

By keeping restaurants and markets local to residences and public transit, communities remain closely integrated and become much more self-sustainable. People are inclined to walk more and drive less, yielding less traffic congestion and pollution.  Not to mention, food that is fresher and just simply tastes better.

BCV understands the importance of integrating the metropolis and the farm.  Their reverence for sustainable agriculture is rooted in a deep commitment to the environment and is exemplified in their designs.

You might know BCV best for designing San Francisco’s Ferry Building Marketplace – a true food lover’s paradise set in a most impressive building, (couple of snaps, above).  Personally, I have to visit the Ferry Building every time I’m in the city, especially during the farmer’s market on Tuesdays and Saturdays.  One word – Amazing!  (And I don’t use that word lightly.)

If you love the San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace, you may also want to visit BCV’s Oxbow Public Market located in the heart of Napa Valley.  Opened in 2008, with 150 small farmers in the area, the market showcases about two-dozen local purveyors and artisans, and features an extensive collection of fine wine and gourmet foods and specialties.

Keep an eye out for these upcoming BCV projects:

• Jack London Market in Oakland, CA – Scheduled to open in spring 2010.  Located in a redevelopment area with dozens of new condos, it will showcase local purveyors and give locals a fabulous place to shop – in walking distance from their homes, of course.  And, close to a ferry terminal too.
• Treasure Island in San Francisco, CA – BCV is designing a new neighborhood on Treasure Island that includes an organic farm.  Treasure Island is located in the San Francisco Bay, halfway across the Bay Bridge.  Be sure not to miss the exit, or you’ll have to pay toll on the way back.

Also, check out BCV’s Slow Food Nation in San Francisco and Eat Real in Oakland.