Located at Bergamot Station, the internationally known art center, the Bergamot Artist Lofts is the only new construction on the site. The program includes a ground level studio/gallery space with four artist live/work loft spaces above. The fundamental challenge in this project was determining how to maintain continuity and coherence with the character of the existing industrial warehouse buildings at Bergamot Station without compromising formal and material experimentation and innovation. Corrugated metal, steel and glass blend in with the surrounding context while cold rolled steel and translucent lexan panels create moments of distinction in the details of the building. In particular, the building’s two façades are compositions of geometry and texture. Complementing their respective settings—streetfront and courtyard—the façades help elevate the complex from a simply a vessel for art to art itself.
“Pugh + Scarpa intelligently draw on the origins of California Modernism and extend the tradition, making an enlightened addition to the Santa Monica cityscape.”
— Catherine Slessor, Architectural Review
Client
Bergamot Station, LLC
City of Santa Monica
Project Team
Brooks + Scarpa (formerly Pugh + Scarpa)
Gwynne Pugh (engineer)
Pegan Construction (general contractor)
Marvin Rand (photography)
Awards
AIA California Council Merit Award, 2002
AIA Los Angeles Honor Award, 2000
Los Angeles Business Council, 2001
