This is a design for an architectural museum in Downtown Los Angeles. The tubular form originated from an analysis of the bowstring truss. The linear membrane acts as a megatruss that supports the interior vierendeel truss. The tubes hold the main galleries of the museum while the vierendeel truss accomodates the vertical circulation as well as semi-public spaces.

The vierendeel truss is also structurally maintained by three pratt trusses that create transparent corridors spanning between the tubes, doubling as horizontal circulation.

The ground-floor is an open sculpture garden that displays architectural models and exposes them to the street and the city.

The tube is composed of a concrete skin that filters light. It overlays an insulated glass assembly that creates a strong contrast between the interior and the exterior experience of the tube. This produces a very atmospheric space where the architectural drawings and be experienced as if on a lightbox. Through the cylindrical nature of the gallery, each drawing is located based on its architectural viewpoint.

Model pictures