Sited on the last developable lot in the Playa Vista Specific Plan, WE3 features four stories of creative workspace in the commercially robust and rapidly developing area of Westside LA colloquially referred to as 'Silicon Beach.'
WE3 is the third and final structure of a sprawling 6.5-acre campus and represents SPF:a's most refined take on both the practical and aesthetic possibilities of the modern workplace.
Initially asked by the client to design around already established spaces and structures, SPF:a's plans evolved into a building that not only integrates itself into the site but one that creates a campus feel that previously did not exist.
WE3 is 400 feet in length and stretches across the site's eastern edge. By bracketing WE3 and the two existing buildings around an open quadrangle (ie. a relocated soccer pitch) a more succinct and integrated environment came to life.
The design’s most striking visual feature is inspired by the play of light on water and influenced by the uneven natural geometry of Ellsworth Kelly and Agnes Martin. The skin is designed to dematerialize, visually lightening the structure’s mass while providing relief from the full brunt of the sun.The structure encompasses four levels of parking—two subterranean, one at grade, and one above grade—and four floors of open workspace, reflecting the modern trend in office planning and culture. Each of the four units is approximately 40,000 square feet with a 15-foot floor height. The entirety of the concrete superstructure left exposed.
Due to zoning restrictions, the building’s top floor could not share a common border and exceed 20,000 square feet. In order to maintain the desired area requirements, a gap was introduced mid-floor and a sky garden created. Located approximately 70 feet above natural grade, the space allows for views towards Baldwin Hills and the Pacific Ocean, and provides tenants with a wind-shielded terrace that can be used for impromptu meetings or as casual workspaces.
WE3 was completed October 2020 and is LEED Gold certified.
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