Project Info
The Lux Art Institute is located on South El Camino Real overlooking the San Elijo Lagoon and surrounded by a wildlife preserve that stretches to the Pacific Ocean. The new one-acre education pavilion embraces this connection to this stunning natural setting through a series of garden terraces accessed by expansive roll-up doors. The design of these exterior spaces explore the juxtaposition of modern forms and native landscape to create an authentic and dynamic outdoor experience. A large bioswale is the primary feature of the lower terrace and functions as the site’s water quality treatment facility. A series of IPE wood bridges span the bioswale and engage the users within the landscape. Two sets of IPE wood stairs lead patrons to the various spaces found in the upper terrace. An amphitheater frames the upper terrace and offers the Institute an outdoor classroom environment to further their mission of art education. Each room within the gardens has been structured to offer a variety scales that support creative exploration, education, and play.
Five mature California Sycamores were preserved during construction and integrated as primary features in the design. The landscape palette is inspired by the native coastal sage scrub found throughout the Lux facility and surrounding open space. The palette includes a diverse range of native species which provide seasonal color and striking textural contrast while achieving significant water savings.