Initiated as a Design-Build competition by the County of LA, the Stoneview Nature Center project invited pre-qualified teams to transform a five-acre brownfield site into a highly sustainable nature center in the Blair Hills neighborhood of Culver City, CA.
As an important node along the five mile "Park to Playa Trail", the 4,000 square foot facility and surrounding gardens were envisioned as a place for community to come together and engage both socially and architecturally.
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This project is a win for county residents all around. It will expose youth to nature, create jobs, and serve as a protective habitat for wildlife. ”
Mark Ridley-Thomas, LA County Board of Supervisors
Designed by Ehrlich Yanai Rhee Chaney Architects in collaboration with Design-Build partner Ledcor, civic artist Fallen Fruit, landscape architect AHBE and with graphics by Omnivore, the Nature Center with its two low, almost-residential forms connected by a glass public lobby space links two primary outdoor gathering spaces: an Observation Deck and a Community Porch.
The Observation Deck visually connects visitors to the nearly panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline, while the Outdoor Room offers a central connection point to the facility's lobby, multipurpose room, demonstration kitchen and gardens beyond.
Set under a large covered roof, an oversized communal table offers visitors opportunities to engage and sample fruit and vegetables from the site's themed gardens.