Architectural Cases

A recent protest in London saw employees of the Danish architectural powerhouse, BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), join forces with Unite union members to voice their opposition to impending layoffs. Approximately 40 individuals gathered outside BIG's Broadgate offices, protesting the ongoing redundancy process initiated by the studio.

The central point of contention revolves around the potential redundancy of 72 employees from a total workforce of 160, attributed to the loss of a significant project. Demonstrators passionately called for BIG to enhance redundancy packages and to engage in discussions with union officials to explore alternatives to the proposed job cuts. Chants, directly addressing studio founder Bjarke Ingels, referenced the substantial £7 million in dividends reportedly received by the company's shareholders, questioning the fairness of the redundancy decisions given the company's financial state.

The Unite union asserts that over 80 BIG employees have become members of the Section of Architectural Workers, yet the studio has reportedly declined to meet with union representatives. This refusal to engage has fueled the protest, with union representatives highlighting the unprecedented level of union membership within an architectural firm and expressing dismay at the employer's unwillingness to discuss employee concerns. Furthermore, the union raised questions about the possibility of relocating employees to other BIG offices in Europe, suggesting that this option had not been adequately explored, despite the company's active recruitment in other regions.

The events surrounding BIG's redundancy plans underscore the growing importance of employee advocacy and transparent communication in the corporate world. As businesses navigate economic shifts and project changes, the fair treatment of employees and open dialogue with their representatives are crucial for maintaining morale and fostering a positive work environment. This incident also highlights a broader trend of increased unionization and collective action within the architecture industry, signaling a changing landscape where employee voices demand to be heard and respected.

American architecture studio Weiss/Manfredi has revealed an updated vision for the La Brea Tar Pits campus in Los Angeles. This comprehensive redesign includes a new research facility connected to the Page Museum and a reimagining of the expansive surrounding parkland. The project, initially announced in 2019, seeks to seamlessly integrate and enhance the existing elements of the 13-acre site, which is uniquely positioned as the world's sole active paleontological research area within a major urban center, adjacent to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA).

Innovative Integration and Expanded Research Capabilities

The revised plans for the La Brea Tar Pits campus, spearheaded by Weiss/Manfredi, aim to transform the iconic site into a cohesive and dynamic experience. The core of this transformation involves a deep analysis of the site's inherent characteristics, leading to a design that preserves and amplifies its unique features. A key addition is the Samuel Oschin Global Centre for Ice Age Research, a semi-subterranean structure that extends the existing Page Museum. This new annex is designed with a striking glass facade, partially concealed beneath a circular berm, creating an inviting entrance for visitors.

The integration of the Samuel Oschin Global Centre for Ice Age Research signifies a major leap forward in the campus's research capabilities. This facility, with its subterranean design and glass facade, not only expands the physical footprint of the Page Museum but also enhances its connection to the surrounding Hancock Park. The elevated pathways that wrap around the facade provide a unique vantage point and guide visitors towards the new annex, fostering a sense of discovery. This thoughtful design ensures that the new research hub is not merely an addition but an integral part of the evolving narrative of the La Brea Tar Pits, solidifying its role as a global leader in paleontological exploration and public engagement.

The "Loops and Lenses" Concept: A Unified Visitor Experience

At the heart of the campus redesign is the innovative "Loops and Lenses" design concept, developed by Weiss/Manfredi. This concept envisions the entire 13-acre site, encompassing the Page Museum, active excavation zones, and Hancock Park, as a single, continuous inside-outside museum. The design utilizes a series of interconnected pathways, forming what the studio describes as a "triple Möbius strip," to link all existing elements and redefine the visitor experience. These loops are designed with diverse programming in mind, catering to various interests from paleontology enthusiasts to birdwatchers and those simply seeking a recreational escape, encouraging continuous exploration and discovery.

The "Loops and Lenses" concept goes beyond mere aesthetics, serving as a functional framework to streamline pedestrian flow and enhance visitor interaction with the site's rich offerings. While the La Brea site already features meandering pathways, the new landscape design aims for a more cohesive and intuitive journey. This includes the introduction of new elements such as an outdoor amphitheater and additional exhibition spaces, all woven into the fabric of the existing landscape. Since its initial opening in 1977, the site has not undergone such a comprehensive renovation, making this project a pivotal moment in its history. The team is actively fundraising, with an ambitious goal of completing the project by the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, promising a revitalized and engaging experience for future generations.