SPF architects: wallis annenberg center for the performing arts

wallis annenberg center for the performing arts by SPF architects

american firm studio pali fekete architects (SPF) have been chosen to design the wallis annenberg center for the performing arts, incorporating the beverly hills post office.

the historic building will be restored and adapted, and the spaces that were once used for mail sorting and postage purchases will be redesigned to become a theater school, a flexible studio theater, sculpture garden, café, gift shop and more. complimenting the historic building will be the 500-seat contemporary goldsmith theater.

the skin of the new goldsmith theater is an abstraction of the millions of letters and envelopes that once defined this historic site – formed in copper-colored concrete panels. a 4 foot by 9 foot envelope-shaped panel is repeated across the façade. the result is a beautiful abstract textural pattern, engraved into a copper skin.  each envelope is slightly different; some flat, some closed, some open, some turned front side out, and some turned to their backs. the skin folds in response to the street and existing building on the site and also conceals the mechanical equipment of the building. 

night view

goldsmith theater

interior of theater

floor plan