This project is from John Friedman and Alice Kimm Architects in Los Angeles, California. It is a design that transforms two derelict warehouses in South Los Angeles into a communal design center which is mainly a venue for cultural events. The project has 20,000 sf of exterior event space and 80,000 sf of convertible interior/exterior space. Because the project is yet to be expanded (there are four phases total), having adaptible space was crucial to the initial design.
Friedman and Kimm respect historical and local materials of Southern California. The brick and stone construction suggest a permanence, but the quantity of daylighting conversely suggests the opposite. According to the architects, the building is designed to "hide, reveal and filter" aspects of the original construction, and to an extent, that is precisely what it does.
Some irregular materials were used here: polycarbonate, cement board, fabric, zinc-coated sheet metal (galvanized) and typical lumber. The main reasons why these materials were chosen were contextual (they are available in L.A.) and also because they were affordable and easy to use. Their inherent simplicity also adds to the rustic suburban aura.
The main exterior space between the two buildings serves as asocial center of the project and can be used as an ordinary parking lot or a large event space. Several large parties, including the 2005 Los Angeles Chapter AIA Gala, have encouraged many Angelenos to visit this neighborhood they have never been to before.
The contractors sandblasted the walls to bring warmth to the existing wood and masonry construction. In the lobby, two bays of the second floor were removed and a stair was added to bring visitors up into the showroom space. Exposed bridging and long span wood construction was emphasized inside to give the space a nuance of openness and accessibility.
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