Palos Verdes, Los Angeles (USA) 2000
International competition; 1st place;
Client: City of Palos Verdes

The program required a new building to replace the existing one, which was to house various exhibition galleries, a library, an auditorium, areas for laboratories and classrooms and a two-storey underground car park. 
Following the narrative thread of a metaphorical “path through the wood”, the building develops internally, following the rhythm of pergola-covered passageways, terraces, small patios and big courtyards. To reduce the environmental impact of the new construction to a minimum, the building is subdivided into low blocks descending in accordance with the naturally sloping land. Like a monastery, the complex is subdivided into public areas (the large entrance plaza, the reception hall and the main courtyard), and private areas (the laboratory patios, the classroom wing, the administrative section).