La Kretz Innovation Campus, Los Angeles
Retrofit Team
Architect: John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects (JFAK), Los Angeles
Structural Engineer: Mackintosh & Mackintosh, Los Angeles
MEP And Sustainability Engineer: Buro Happold Consulting Engineers, Los Angeles
Landscape Architect: AHBE Landscape Architects, Los Angeles
Civil Engineer: VCA Engineers Inc., Alhambra, Calif.
Technology/AV/Acoustics: Waveguide, Los Angeles
Specifications: Yagade Consulting Inc., Santa Clarita, Calif., (661) 297-7911
Code: Aon, Los Angeles
Cost Estimation: Del Amo Construction, Torrance, Calif.
General Contractor: USS Cal Builders LLC, Stanton, Calif.
Materials
The project features innovative green technologies on display, including 37 Solatube Daylighting Systems.
Daylighting Systems Manufacturer: Solatube
The Retrofit
La Kretz Innovation Campus (LKIC) is an interdisciplinary hub where entrepreneurs, engineers and policymakers innovate to support Los Angeles’ green economy. The campus comprises 3.2 acres, including a transformed 61,000-square-foot warehouse in the vibrant Arts district. Los Angeles Department of Water and Power facilities, offices, conference rooms, labs, prototyping workshops and an event space accommodating up to 140 seated people exist in hand with photovoltaic-shaded parking, graywater filtration and a microgrid system.
The adaptive reuse of the building encompasses a full seismic retrofit, and the building’s exterior keeps its character. In contrast, the interior is designed to be modern, clean, flexible and adaptable, utilizing an economical but dynamic materials palette. The design features a “village” concept with a “loop” that connects the existing eight warehouse bays and a variety of semi-open and closed workspaces. The existing structure’s simplicity backdrops unexpected moments created by faceted walls, jewel-like skylight “funnels” bringing natural light to landlocked spaces and a “living wall” in the lobby.
In its flexibility, accommodation of different types of programs and transformation of existing building stock, LKIC sets a high standard for urban revitalization. The building conforms to the new Cal-Green environmental standards, and LEED platinum status is anticipated.
Photo: Benny Chan, Fotoworks