• Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (Structural Engineer of Record, Building Enclosure Consultant)• Johnston Marklee (Architect)• Abbott Construction (General Contractor)• University of California Los Angeles, Capital Programs (Owner)

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES, MARGO LEAVIN GRADUATE ART STUDIOS

SEAOSC/SEAOC 2021 EXCELLENCE IN STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING AWARDS

SIMPSON GUMPERTZ & HEGER

The University of California Los Angeles Margo Leavin Graduate Art Studios project turned a beloved but outdated industrial space into a new 48,000 sq ft facility that still retains its industrial charm. The site includes the adaptive reuse of a 21,200 sq ft former wallpaper factory with a new, L-shaped, 26,800 sq ft expansion. The combined facilities now reflect the program’s elite role within the art community and allow for increased space, improved art production, and unencumbered creativity.

Innovation and careful planning throughout created a state-of-the-art, high-performance structure that shines on its own while allowing the art within to be the true focal point. The entire structural system, from the roof to the walls, is exposed on both the interior and exterior. The structure is the architecture – visible everywhere you look – and will surely inspire generations of future art students.

Photo by Iwan Baan

• Complex foundation system due to poor soils, adjacent building footings, and zero lot line construction

• Unique roof profile created by arched and “leaned-over” glue-laminated beams

• A range of concrete walls featuring tilt-up construction, shotcrete, and cast-in-place techniques

• A concrete ring beam that supports the top of the concrete walls, allowing full-module skylights and desired roof profiles without a traditional roof diaphragm

Highlights of the structural design include:

Photo by Iwan Baan

Photo by Iwan BaanPhoto by Johnston Marklee

Photo by Iwan Baan