WE3 at Water’s Edge, a six-story, 160,000-sf creative workspace has completed construction in an area of Playa Vista colloquially referred to as “Silicon Beach.”
WE3 is the third and final building in a pre-existing commercial campus. SPF:architects’ main challenge with the project was to create a plan fully integrated with the existing conditions that would maximize the lot’s buildable area and maintain a compelling architectural standard. The project evolved over time to create a longer, more flexible office space that allowed more light and views on each elevation. A new public courtyard was created and an existing on grade sports field was relocated over the parking substructure.
The 400-foot-long building includes four levels of parking (two subterranean, one at grade, and one above grade) and four floors of open workspace. Each of the four levels is approximately 40,000-sf and fifteen feet floor to floor.
WE3 at Water's Edge - SPF:architects from SPF:architects on Vimeo.
Due to zoning restrictions, the building’s top floor could not be contiguous and exceed 20,000 sf. In order to maintain the desired area requirements, a gap was introduced mid-floor and a sky garden was created. The sky garden is located approximately 70 feet above natural grade and provides views toward Baldwin Hills and the Pacific Ocean. It also provides tenants with a wind-shielded terrace that can be used for impromptu meetings or casual workspaces. Additionally, all circulation and exiting is designed to be exterior.
WE3’s exterior includes a “floating,” perforated skin that shrouds the building and dematerializes it, visually lengthening the structure’s significant mass while providing the glass facade cover from the full brunt of the sun. Natural light filters through the skin in all directions and is proportionally spread across the entirety of the interior surface area.
Related Stories
| Nov 25, 2014
Study: 85% of employees dissatisfied with their office environment
A vast majority of office workers feel open floor plans cause multiple distractions and that more private spaces are needed in today's offices, according to a new study by Steelcase and research firm IPSOS.
| Nov 24, 2014
Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill-designed crystalline tower breaks ground in southwestern China
Fitted with an LED façade, the 468-meter Greenland Tower Chengdu will act as a light sculpture for the city of Chengdu.
| Nov 18, 2014
New tool helps developers, contractors identify geographic risk for construction
The new interactive tool from Aon Risk Solutions provides real-time updates pertaining to the risk climate of municipalities across the U.S.
| Nov 17, 2014
Hospitality at the workplace: 5 ways hotels are transforming the office
During the past five years, the worlds of hospitality and corporate real estate have undergone an incredible transformation. The traditional approach toward real estate asset management has shifted to a focus on offerings that accommodate mobility, changing demographics, and technology, writes HOK's Eva Garza.
| Nov 17, 2014
Workplace pilot programs: A new tool for creating workspaces employees love
In a recent article for Fast Company, CannonDesign's Meg Osman details how insurance giant Zurich used a workplace pilot program to empower its employees in the creation of its new North American headquarters.
| Nov 17, 2014
Mastering natural ventilation: 5 crucial lessons from design experts
By harnessing natural ventilation, Building Teams can achieve a tremendous reduction in energy use and increase in occupant comfort. Engineers from SOM offer lessons from the firm’s recent work.
| Nov 10, 2014
5 guiding principles for solving airflow issues in open-plenum office spaces
Although architecturally appealing, exposed ceilings can create unwanted drafts and airflow problems if not engineered correctly. McGuire Engineers' Bill Stangeland offers tips for avoiding airflow issues on these projects.
| Nov 6, 2014
Hines planning tall wood office building in Minneapolis
The Houston-based developer is planning a seven-story wood-framed office building in Minneapolis’ North Loop that will respect the neighborhood’s historic warehouse district look.
| Nov 5, 2014
Survey: More than 75% of workload takes place without face-to-face interactions
With the rise of technology, much of the workday—even the most productive morning hours—is spent corresponding via email or conference call, according to a recent survey of corporate workers by Mancini•Duffy.
| Nov 4, 2014
HOK breaks ground on colossal research complex for LG in Seoul
Located in Seoul’s Magok District, the LG Science Park provides facilities to support innovative research and industrial prototyping. HOK designed phase one of the master plan and six of the laboratory and office buildings.