“Set within an iconic aviation facility, this project called for the transformation of empty pockets of the vast, occupied workplace building. Driven by the need to infill vacant spaces with a biophilic setting, a customer experience center with private dining, production and event space, and acoustic mitigation throughout, the uninhabited is transformed into a whimsical collection of environments that create a transporting experience.” - Text by ZGF Architects
Check-in
Upon arrival, users step into a cozy yet airy space capped by historic mass timber rafters and anchored by a sophisticated welcome desk. Behind it, a dense planting of deep green foliage serves as a biophilic balm for the brain’s neural network, reducing stress.
With security a top priority for the client, the point of entry required special attention. As designed, it provides a hospitality-forward environment for receiving users that also serves as a containment zone, ensuring reception managers can safely grant or restrict access at the front door and at interior thresholds.
The whimsy-saturated waiting lounge presents a nod to Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This fantastical inspiration sets the scene for the journey through the looking glass and into the wonderland of The Park beyond. The space features hand-painted contoured layers of color that dip and melt across almost every surface. A swirl of periwinkle and marigold forms a dimensional drip on the pale herringbone floor, grounding the delightfully mismatched furnishings.
A Walk in The Park
With access granted, users cross the threshold into the expanse of The Park. Reaching a soaring, unobstructed 75 FT in height and 90 FT wide, the atrium provides secure on-site greenspace with a twist. Flooded with natural light from original clerestory windows and new skylights, it’s a transporting yet thoroughly grounded space with places for work, waiting, entertainment, a sip and a snack or a sit-down meal… maybe even a picnic.
Visual guides for user navigation and wayfinding occur on the ground plane, at eye level, and slightly above. Floor graphics flow throughout the Park to connect the various nodes within the space, signage at the entry to each space provides clear identification, and directional “street signs” point the way to nearby zones and amenities.
Take a Seat
At one end, a broad-stepped amphitheater with terraced seating curves to face an 85-foot-long installation that alternates between panels of living wall and dripping floral murals by artist Niki Zarrabi. Coffee table settings are sprinkled across the dappled, verdant carpeting within the curved space, while the outside edge of the amphitheater is lined with counter and café-style seating.
Casual seat-yourself dining tables for small groups and large are generously spaced along the interior perimeter of The Park, just outside the in-house café. Users can grab a table for as long as they need, regardless if they’ve ordered from the café.
Distributed around the atrium are several freestanding planters of greenery and wildflower sculptures encircled by cushioned bench seating, with tables and chairs available to be pulled up. To enable productivity, all landing spots provide access to power outlets while providing a lush backdrop for remote work.
Aglow with the client's brand colors, an installation of kinetic-powered streetlamps provides a fun diversion and pays homage to the iconic Urban Light assemblage sculpture of restored streetlamps by Chris Burden at LACMA.
A Pavilion in the Park
Centered in the atrium is an upscale entertaining space, consisting of a dining room with a trio of large terrazzo dining tables that adjoins an intimate pre-reception bar and lounge. Layers of sheer and noise-canceling drapery fully enclose the circular space to create separation for private meetings, events, or high-profile guests. When not in use, the curtains are pulled back to welcome Park goers into the pavilion.
To mitigate the potential clamor of such a large space, sets of concentric, bespoke acoustic rings float above. The rings vary in size and width, all clad in a felted display of either neutral white or native wildflowers aglow with warm lighting that can be adjusted to suit any occasion.
Adaptable Event & Production Space
Located away from the bustle of The Park and separate from the buzz of employee workspace is a hospitality-forward event and production venue. This dynamic space is designed to entertain guests, livestream townhalls, and host seminars or classes. The design taps into layers of the Los Angeles to inform an experience inspired by the Golden Age of Hollywood and the city’s iconic skies—from sunrise to sunset.
Beyond the stage curtain, the design transforms to Technicolor. The bespoke carpet captures the dawn to dusk tones of LA's famously sunny skies, beginning with a warm sunset-inspired welcome. The hues then ombre to daytime tones to reflect the productive nature of how this zone is used. A dawn-like setting grounds the kitchen that plays host to the hospitality provided within this specialized space.
Throughout the dawn-to-dusk setting, the ombre cascade of spaces are endlessly flexible and reconfigured to accommodate the activities of the day. First, a comfortable lounge features seating of different types and scales. An accordion wall may be open or closed between the lounge and the central production space, complete with projection room in the back that can be set up for seminars or cleared for a cocktail party. Another accordion wall on the opposite side opens to reveal the kitchen that can be set up for food service or hands-on activities like flower arranging or mixology.
An accordion wall may be open or closed between the lounge and the central production space, which is complete with a projection room in the back and can be set up for seminars or cleared for a cocktail party.