Griffith Observatory

An architectural icon of Los Angeles, the renovation of Griffith Observatory was a major feat of structural engineering. Historic preservation requirements made it necessary to construct all new spaces underground. Our design included adding new subterranean exhibit and support spaces, totaling 25,000 square feet, to the existing building by extending and deepening the existing partial basement.This process required underpinning existing walls and columns, excavating new spaces under the main floor, and constructing new columns and foundations at the required depth. Other modifications included adding new stairs and elevators within the existing building, adding a new hillside mechanical plant, and modifying the existing planetarium floor.