LA Design Center

The LA Design Center, designed by John Friedman Alice Kimm Architects (JFAK), is part of a four-phase master plan to transform two derelict warehouses in South Los Angeles into a new showroom district. The project includes 20,000 square feet of exterior event space and 80,000 square feet of flexible interior space. The design uses off-the-shelf materials like concrete, polycarbonate, cement board, fabric, and lumber, chosen for their low cost, ease of construction, and industrial aesthetic. The interiors were sandblasted to reveal the warmth of the existing wood and masonry structures. The main exterior space between the two buildings serves as a social center and can be used as a parking lot, a "people-car" space, or a large event area. The project has received several awards, including the 2007 Rudy Bruner Silver Medal for Urban Excellence.