Keck Institute for Space Studies - California Institute of Technology

In the heart of Caltech's campus, Lehrer Architects transformed the elite Keck Institute for Space Studies into a combination of history and modernity. This project, a recipient of multiple industry awards for sustainability and excellence in design, not only provides physical space but also establishes a profound sense of place, production, and purpose for the astrophysics think tank and meeting room for Caltech's Board of Trustees. The existing Mission-style structure, originally faculty housing, underwent meticulous restoration to become offices and meeting rooms. The new building features hyper-functionality, robust natural light, and fluid indoor/outdoor workability. A loggia serves as a transitional element, connecting old and new structures with similar paving stones and a whiteboard a hundred feet long.

"Design and create an environment to facilitate a culture of creativity where scientists and academics from disparate disciplines from around the world meet periodically to contribute to a common cause."
- ArchDaily
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Education
Location
Pasadena, California
Client
California Institute of Technology
Size
108,900 SF 2.5 acres of urban renewal
Status
Completed 2014
Awards
2014   AIA California Award for Excellence in Design
2014   Pasadena Foothill Council Honor Award
2014   City of Pasadena Historic Preservation Award
2014   Southern California Development Forum Honor Award
2014   US Green Building Council LEED Platinum Certification
2014   US Green Building Council Sustainable Innovation Honor Award
2014   Westside Urban Forum Prize Honor Award
2015   Engineering News Record Best of the Best in the Country
2015   LA Business Council Exceptional Contribution in Sustainable Real Estate
Award for 'exceptional contribution' in Sustainable Real Estate category, Los Angeles Business Council, 2015
Best of the Best in the Country - Small Projects, Engineering News Record, 2015
Historic Preservation Award, City of Pasadena, 2014
Honor Award for Excellence in Design, American Institute of Architects - Pasadena Foothill Council, 2014
Honor Award, Southern California Development Forum, 2014
LEED Platinum Certification, United States Green Building Council, 2014
Merit Award for Excellence in Design, American Institute of Architects - California Council, 2014
Sustainable Innovation Honor Award, United States Green Building Council - Los Angeles, 2014
Westside Prize Honor Award, Westside Urban Forum, 2014
Project Team

Landscape Architecture:
Mia Lehrer + Associates

Civil Engineering:
Barbara Hall & Associates

Structural Engineering:
John Labib & Associates

MEP Engineering:
Westlake Reed Leskosky

Audio Visual Consultant:
Media Systems Design Group

Landscape Architect
Studio-MLA
Swimming Pool Engineer
Jones & Madhavan
Jones & Madhavan
Jones & Madhavan
Project Management
City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks
City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering
Media