The arrival of SoMA serves as a culminating moment for the Downtown neighborhood and demonstrates the immense possibility of creating premium homes out of underutilized structures.
The interior design of the project is centered around recreating this space as a center of activity, rebuilding the historic arch and stage elements and using them as a centerpiece of a common amenity space capable of hosting events.
This structure is part of an ongoing revitalization initiative that has been in motion for 35 years, aimed at transforming a once-thriving industrial and manufacturing area into a vibrant urban hub in Central Los Angeles and Culver City, California.
The team selected insulated metal panels (IMPs) as the building envelope. IMPs provide four layers of protection – air, water, vapor, and insulation – in a single component system.
The curtainwall frames the clear panoramic vistas from the 11,000-square-foot glass observation tower and its transparent, cantilevered “cage,” plus views from the expansive surrounding two-level structure.
The performing arts center’s design captures the essence of theater while simultaneously showcasing school pride. It features a light-filled, steel and glass lobby that welcomes visitors into the structure.
The project’s architect, R2L Architects, required an exterior cladding material that would create a visually captivating façade while also delivering design flexibility and an expedited construction schedule.