2009 MIA Pinnacle Award of Excellence
The Marble Institute of America recognizes projects whose beauty, creativity, ingenuity, and craftsmanship exemplify professional mastery in the use of natural stone in commercial and residential environments. Columbia Stone gladly accepted this award at the 2009 StoneExpo award ceremony.
Below is the write-up submitted for the award:
8 walls and 400 panels totaling 56,000 SF of dually finished Travertine combine to create the iconic first phase of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) transformation, designed by renowned Architect Renzo Piano.
The soft color of the Travertine is in direct contrast to the rough texture created by the bushhammered and water jet finishes. Ultimately it is this weathered and timeless stone finish that helped seamlessly blend the two new buildings into the well established downtown Los Angeles neighborhood.
The hand set stone saw tooth roof profile provides the building with an art element in its own right. While being artistic they also serve a vital purpose; in conjunction with the sun shades they invite in the strong California sun, without allowing direct sunlight to disturb the art below.
From the dramatic roofline to the purposely set fire engine red exterior I-beams, to the art embracing scrim curtains, they all accent the prominent Italian Travertine while never taking away the undeniable beauty.
True to his reputation, Mr. Piano utilized the subtle color of the stone, while the vibrant labyrinth of red I-beams and exterior escalator help to define LACMA as the prominent art institution that will surely be treasured for years to come.
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