The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell includes the renovation and addition to an existing outdated facility. Located within close proximity to downtown Lowell, the new club will include 65,000 sq ft of space. The new design makes a strong connection with the adjacent Clemente Park and the National Historic Park Canal Parkway.
COLLINS GALLERY
WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA
The Collins Gallery— a remodel of a tract house in the West Hollywood, California Arts District—accommodates the residents’ domestic needs with their requirements as art dealers. The challenge was to create a spacious gallery area and residence within a relatively small building envelope. The existing structure was of substandard construction and lacked architectural significance. City regulations require the square footage and footprint of the existing structure to be maintained and a minimum of 50% of existing walls to remain intact. The solution is a scale-appropriate response in keeping with the neighboring buildings.
LOCATION
West Hollywood, CA
PROGRAM
Single Family Residence / Gallery
SIZE
1,500 sq ft
STATUS
Completed 2004
DISTINCTIONS
National AIA Honor Award
American Architecture Award
Published, Architectural Record
Published, Brave New Houses (Cover)
Published, LA Architect (Cover)
Published, West Hollywood Magazine (Cover)
COLLABORATORS
Joseph Perazzelli, Structural
Tso Construction, Inc
The manipulation of a simple geometry creates a play on perceptions. A new load-bearing wall bisects the building on the diagonal, creating two distinct zones differentiating the gallery from the residence. With this one simple move, the space appears to increase in size dramatically. The gallery’s roof plane was lifted allowing the penetration of natural light. The clerestory—the primary light source—eliminates the need for windows and maximizes wall surface for the display of art. Additional light comes from the storefront curtain wall. The laminated, opaque glass allows desired north light to filter into the gallery space. A forced perspective was created within the gallery by tapering the space in both plan and section out to the garden courtyard. A 20’ long reflecting pool extends the gallery floor plane, expanding the space beyond the building envelope. The fireplace—a continuation of the tilted roof plane—functions as an easel for viewing art. The gallery design offers optimum flexibility.
