UCLA Margo Leavin Graduate Art Studios

For the existing building, SGH designed a seismic retrofit, structural modifications to add wall openings and skylights, and strengthening for existing trusses. We also designed the structure for the new addition comprising a series of 50 ft by 54 ft modules arranged around the existing warehouse in an L-shape, creating an architecturally connected but seismically separated building. Highlights of our structural design for these modules include the following:

• Barrel-shaped roofs created with glued laminated framing
• Concrete walls constructed with tilt-up construction at the street-facing walls to create the pillowed texture, shotcrete walls facing the existing building, and cast-in-place walls between modules
• A concrete ring beam that supports the top of the concrete walls, helping to accomplish the full-module skylight and desired roof profiles without a traditional roof diaphragm

SGH also assisted the architect of record with the enclosure design, including the following:

• Thermal performance and insulation strategies
• Elastomeric coatings with anti-graffiti properties for exterior walls
• Vertical glazing assemblies and locations where they intersect opaque walls
• New roofing at the existing barrel vault roof and new addition, including polycarbonate assemblies
• Sloped glazing assemblies and skylights
• Expansion joints to accommodate seismic movement between structures