The Architect
Pritzker Prize-winning architect Thom Mayne is the founder of influential studio Morphosis and co-founder of the prestigious Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc). For more than 40 years, Morphosis has practiced at the intersection of architecture, urbanism, and design, working across a broad range of project types and scales, including civic, academic, cultural, commercial, residential, and mixed-use; urban master plans; and original publications, objects, and art. With a team of more than 60 in Los Angeles, New York, Shanghai and Seoul, Morphosis focuses on rigorous research and innovation, prioritizing performance-driven design that is environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable.
Why did OCMA choose Thom Mayne?
- Mayne has forged bold new forms of architecture, pioneered sustainable design, and created extraordinary buildings that capture the public’s imagination
- Morphosis and OCMA share similar values on how to design an art museum for the 21st century
Thom’s approach to a new building for OCMA is driven by these primary objectives.
- Create a highly flexible suite of galleries for special exhibitions and permanent collection
- Ensure the building embraces the uniqueness of its site
- Find ways connect the outside to the inside and vice versa
- Design a truly memorable experience that extends the public space and celebrates the Southern California environment
Details of the new OCMA
- 52,000 sq. feet overall
- 25,000 sq. feet dedicated to exhibitions
- 10,000 sq. feet of multipurpose, education and performance space
- Up to 10,000 additional space for exhibitions in a possible expansion
- Rooftop sculpture terrace that can accommodate up to 1000 people
- Grand public stairs connect with the Argyros Plaza and the museum’s own sculpture terrace