LOS ANGELES COUNTY MUSEUM OF ART

Re-imagining and Restructuring Space 

Since mid-60s LACMA has been vital and vibrant part of the Los Angeles cultural scene. The inhabitants of the city have embraced the museum and the space as their own, and it has become an integral part of the city’s cultural fabric, woven into its ‘s memory and history.

Given the current pandemic crisis and the likely adverse economic conditions that will follow, we have chosen to adopt a more sustainable option by adapting and reusing part of the original buildings. In this way we shall preserve the best elements of the past while creating a more contemporary multiuse, alternative space that becomes an iconic landmark for the City of Angels. The question then arises to what extent the existing buildings of this important landmark heritage needs to be preserved and strengthened according to earthquake code. The new engineering approaches give us viable rational solutions to keep this option.

Background and the Current Configuration of the Site

Our design approach seeks to re-envisage a new space that frees up the core by lifting/elevating the big mass porosity allowing movement, and making it more attractive and accessible to the public.

We shall maintain the key architectural concept of clustered blocks coming together to form a whole, while at the same time loosening the density and establishing a more fluid, open public ground with communal space at its center that creates contact, communication and a sense of cohesion.

We therefore propose to demolish the Art of Americas Building and introduce a new elevated structure which respects the proportions of the existing site. Creating an elevated new structure re-establishes the connection between Wilshire Boulevard and the LA Times Central Courtyard and gives this new entrance an accessible, sheltered forecourt. A gentle ramp /walkway will take you from street level on Wilshire Boulevard to a spacious lobby level which is adjacent to LA Times Central Courtyard. LACMA East Campus is formed by different components, the new central lobby area acts as a gathering point and introductive hub between the Ahmanson Building, the Hammer Building, the Bing Center and our newly proposed building. By introducing direct entrance from street level, we are giving easy access to all levels and making the whole museum more accessible.

Elastic stretch between the street level and elevated box which inhabit galleries works as an architectural landscape establishing the connection between plaza and street level for pedestrian circulation while awakening curiosity.