CALA

Center for Architecture and Urban Design Los Angeles

The driving force behind this project was the idea of connection and expansion, both vertically within the space and horizontally connecting to the surrounding urban context. This was important to achieve because  of the project’s architectural and urban focus. The internal connection was achieved by the sculptural stair which is a prominent feature of the project. The centralized sculptural circulation core serves as the primary means of vertical connection, emphasized with expanded ceiling heights. Horizontal visual connections are established through the prevalence of glazing throughout the project as well as the perforated facade.

The entire project is wrapped in a series of metal perforated panels. The perforations vary in size and respond to the placement of windows and the program within. The facade panels fold in and penetrate the interior space, becoming a part of the sculptural stair. The fourth floor of the project continues to explore the idea of connection and expansion with a series of masses which can each open on a single face to expand and open onto the adjacent exterior spaces, blurring the boundaries between exterior and interior spaces.