Caltrans Headquarters Los Angeles


Enrobed in a constantly changing mechanical skin that is alternately open or closed depending on the conditions of outside temperature and sunlight, the building’s fundamental property is that of transformation.
At dusk the building is transparent, textured and windowed everywhere to invite the voyeur, while at mid-day it is buttoned up against the sun, appearing to be devoid of windows entirely.
The building’s south facade is entirely surfaced with photovoltaic cells that will generate approximately 5% of the building’s energy while shielding the facade from direct sunlight during peak summer Architect: Morphosis
General Contractor: The Clark Construction Group, Inc.
Developer: Urban Partners Morphosis Team:
Principal: Thom Mayne Caltrans District 7 Headquarters by Pritzker Prize winning architect Thom Mayne is an illusive, ever-changing office building located in the heart of Los Angeles, California. The structure is wrapped in sheathing that opens and closes according to outside conditions. When the sun is bright, the building appears closed and windowless. At dusk the building seems nearly transparent. At night, the four-story lobby becomes luminescent.


Size: 3888px × 2592px
Location: 1st & Main St Los Angeles, CA USA
Photo credit: © michael going / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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