Despite its imposing presence, the building’s footprint also leaves room for a human presence: “The new building does not push tightly against its property lines; instead it creates new public spaces and pedestrian routes through the neighborhood along with open views of the surrounding streetscape,” writes Snøhetta architect Craig Dykers in a press release.

Christopher Hawthorne of the LA Times writes that the new design has a “flinty personality,” perhaps most visible in the building’s rock-like textured skin shown off in the renderings (seen above). Still, the critic cautions, these designs are by no means finalized.

SFMOMA has raised more than $250 million toward a projected $480 million campaign goal for the expansion, including $100 million for the museum’s endowment. While we’re waiting for funds to be raised and ground to be broken, let’s all salivate over the images of what will be.