With the environmental review process now underway, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art is moving forward with a $600-million plan by Pritzker Prize winner Peter Zumthor to makeover its Miracle Mile campus. The acclaimed Swiss architect's design would replace the current Bing Center, Hammer, Ahmanson, and Art of the Americas Buildings with a new 390,000 square-foot structure that spans across Wilshire Boulevard.
The design has gone through different evolutions since originally announced in 2014 and earlier this year, new, softer renderings were revealed after Zumthor expressed he was unhappy with the original ones. Construction of the new building is expected to begin in late 2018.
17 Comments
Hey Peter, you are too slow. Gensler would be done by now.
Content and software specifics aside, I find these renderings interesting because they signal a crossroads for Zumthor and the scale of his practice. The sudden re-presentation of the museum and more importantly his technique signal a shift similar to the renderings that James Corner was creating while for Lifescape (Freshkills) and the Highline.
Looks like a (pretty) suburban office park. Maybe everything in LA looks like that.
Wow. I want to work in the office park you've been referencing. Sounds like nirvana.
These renderings do not inspire confidence.
Are the light fixtures, HVAC grilles, and exit signs all concealed?
Also curious about how art gets constantly hung, removed, and new pieces re-hung on those solid concrete walls.
Acoustics (or lack therof) also seems to be ignored in these rooms made of all glass and concrete.
Fantastic. A great moment for LA culture and architecture. Worth the price, and the loss of previous buildings (it's sad they can't keep both, but life isn't perfect--it is relative)
That client must love poche.
poche comes in at $0.00/SF, right?
To call this a great moment for LA culture and architecture is like saying "wow LA is getting its first opry isn't that great". It is giddy and fit for architecture item in an airline cabin magazine. The institutional critique that is going around locally is much more interesting. In a way, it will be perfect with Peterson Museum and Piano's new movie museum next to it, an art Disney for gentrified people. After a few money shots, it will bury the Zumthor mystic with tar. As far as the existing buildings, they were buried with HHPA in 80's and some other Pianos this century.
A good undergrad architecture student could design this for millions less in commission.
Ideas are cheap. Everyone can design a cool looking building, but not many firms can get that commission and get it built. Architecture Jesus Peter Zumthor's fame and power sure plays a significant role. If you ask me, design is probably almost the least mattering thing in deciding who gets the commission. Money and politic comes way before design in these large scale projects.
As the quality of rendering techniques gets better and better, I worry about the eventual buildings. So much time and effort is front-loaded, selling the concept to gain publicity, funding and entitlements. Here's hoping at least that much thought, care, and more thought is lavished on the details, joints, materials, installation, finishing, etcetera.
The renderings don't even show pre-design levels of care, as far as I'm concerned.
Pretty sure SOM hired The Boundary to do the improved renders instead of Zumthor collaging in house.
Orhan A.
What' the rush...Bub? Fine work takes TIME, eh? Now put your tech-toys away...take a deep breath and 'smell the roses'. Feel better' now?
You don't even address what I'm talking about. Can you pass the patronizing lingo and say something of substance? Are you capable? Sorry I had to ask based on your post. Why so personal?
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?