40,000 SQ FT Expansion of the existing UCLA Ocean Discovery Center

The building was to become a series of events that interacted with the plane of the pier; the exhibition halls changing level from one to the next are separated by numerous exterior courts, useful for tide pools, touch tanks, and eventual access to the beach level.   Contrasting the fragmented arrangement of exhibit spaces a level of classrooms establish a rhythm with their proportionate size and spacing, and also their peaked roofs making use of southeast winds for natural ventilation.  The intent of breaking up the program in to numerous spaces was to maintain a scale relative to the pier.  This also provided for roof terraces and garden spaces useful for the education and discovery program, perhaps also for the best views around. 

It was crucial that this design adapt to the historically significant context and not compete with it.  Existing conditions such as the pier edge were maintained; and, public zones  (spaces for concerts) were developed.