For Glorya Kaufman International Dance Center, the first new school on the University of Southern California campus for 40 years, we sought to achieve a contemporary building, both satisfying the donor's desires that the design embody dance, with flow, color and light, and reflect the University's architectural vernacular, rooted in Romanesque traditions and Collegiate Gothic style. The result is a faithful interpretation of early Italian Gothic, with pointed arches and diaper-patterned Roman brick on the exterior, and curving, flowing lines and double-height studios, flooded with light and accented in jewel tones in the interior. The three-level facility, that includes a large performance studio, five dance studios, four classrooms, a collaborative lounge, a wellness/ fitness space, dressing rooms, and admin space—all fit into a tight footprint on the north end of campus, anchors the emerging arts quadrant on campus and enhances the university's role as a leader in the city's arts community. The Westside Urban Forum, which addresses land use impacting Los Angeles, has awarded our efforts with a Merit Award in their annual Design Awards program.

(May 2017)