LA Garage, Oregon

As the place in which the transition from driver to pedestrian occurs, the 409,000-square-foot LA Garage is a nexus of activity for people arriving on campus. The design breaks up the typical parking structure mass, providing opportunities for daylight and creating a “wow” space in between: a public covered courtyard carved into the center of the building that encourages chance encounters, casual gatherings, and collaboration.

Surrounded by three sides of backlit glass showing iconic Olympic athletes, the courtyard faces the campus daycare center. Employees and their children can experience playful elements incorporated into the design such as a slide into the courtyard, rubberized pyramids, a balance beam and a running track. Furthermore, bikes are provided in the courtyard to easily connect people in the space to the campus.

Embodying the theme of movement, which is key to the client’s design culture, exterior walls are canted and tilted to give the elaborate building skin of perforated metal panel and glass a dynamic quality while concealing the cars within. Aligning the panels in a pattern along a diagonal grid creates a sense of leaning, making the building appear ready to spring forward. Layering of the façade elements provides both natural ventilation and adds to the garage’s dynamism.The theme of movement also inspired the site design, which integrates sports and functional program elements that celebrate interaction, activity, fitness, and a healthy lifestyle.

Wayfinding is expressed in orange circulation elements for cars and people which reference the external orange massing reveals. Pronounced entrances act like portals to create a holistic experience of entering, circulating, and exiting the garage. Maximizing this space housing 1,130 cars with safety and efficiency, walkways separate pedestrians from drivers and guide those on foot to the courtyard. Each level is themed with supergraphics and colors for a different Los Angeles sports team, reinforcing the overall concept and making wayfinding an easier and more memorable experience.