Build Architecture Awards 2016

Build 2016 Architecture Awards 112 Studio Pali Fekete Architects Best International Museum Architects 2016 & Best Beverly Hills Cultural & Performing Arts Project: Wallis Annenberg Centre for the Performing Arts Studio Pali Fekete architects [SPF:a] was founded in 1988 and is based in Culver City, California. We invited Principal Zoltan Pali to provide us with a fascinating insight into this creative practice. AR160025 Company: Studio Pali Fekete architects [SPF:a] Name: Zoltan E. Pali, FAIA Web Address: www.spfa.com Address: 8609 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232 Telephone: (310) 558-0902 PF:a is led by principals, Zoltan E. Pali, FAIA and Judy M. Fekete-Pali, and the firm prides itself on a high level of hands- on principal to client involvement. Zoltan talks us through this client focused approach. “Here at SPF:a we are driven by the belief that architecture is a worth- while and basic human act that when done well, positively transforms and inspires. Our approach adheres to the tenets that constant ingenuity and inventiveness - grounded in knowledge and admiration for the tried and true - are the hallmarks of excellent, elegant, and lasting architecture.” The Wallis is a state-of-the-art performing arts center, built on the historic site, consisting of a new, 500-seat theater building, connected via prome- nade and outdoor sculpture garden to the 1934 post office building. The historic, WPA building is repurposed to house a 120-seat studio theater, a café, gift shop, box offices, administration facilities and a 3-classroom theater school for children At one point, prior to SPF:a’s involvement in the project, conventional wisdom was to place the new performing arts venue within the walls of the historic post office building, and to create a small annex on the site to house the educational components of the program. Instead, SPF:a did the reverse, taking the smaller programmatic elements such as the rehearsal hall, classrooms, and administrative offices and locating them into the three level historic building, where they fit nicely and snuggly. The plan preserves and celebrates the historic architecture, as well as affords the Center the opportunity to create a new, state-of-the-art, flexible performing arts facility with ample back-of-house amenities. To conclude Zoltan highlights the firm’s exciting plans for expansion in the future. “Looking ahead, SPF:a will continue to contribute to the environment of Los Angeles and expand beyond its state borders. SPF:a is in a pack of develop- ment projects planned for the Silicon Beach area of Playa Vista, California, has several residential projects in design and construction phases, and in design development and construction phases, a community center and pedestrian bridges for the City of Los Angeles and City of Long Beach.” S