Projects
Los Angeles County Arboretum – New Public Entry
(Design Development)
Project Info
LOCATION
Arcadia, California
STATUS
Design completed 2014
SIZE
N/A
ROLE
Architect
MARKET
Government
EXPERTISE
Architecture
Establish an environmentally responsible & architecturally cohesive arrival sequence
The Los Angeles County Arboretum New Public Entry project envisioned a reimagined gateway experience for the Arboretum and Botanical Garden in Arcadia, California. The design aligned with the Arboretum’s Conceptual Long Range vision, establishing an environmentally responsible and architecturally cohesive arrival sequence that enhances visitor orientation, circulation, and institutional identity.
The scope included comprehensive Design Development for site and architectural improvements at the main entrance. Key elements featured a redesigned entry plaza, new gate systems, relocation of existing palms and canted walls, and development of a ceremonial promenade through the parking area incorporating new curbs, planting, lighting, and green wall features. The design also included a new drop-off area, donor wall, integrated seating concepts, ticket booth with coordinated mechanical and electrical systems, and a cantilevered canopy structure supported by structural engineering and roof drainage integration.
Our design development renderings illustrate a layered arrival sequence embedded within the Arboretum’s landscape. From the aerial perspective, the entry plaza integrates seamlessly with surrounding gardens and distant mountain views, reinforcing a strong connection between architecture and environment. At the pedestrian scale, sculptural gates and green walls define a welcoming threshold, guiding visitors across textured paving toward the shaded canopy and ticketing pavilion. The cantilevered roof element establishes a clear civic presence while maintaining visual openness to the botanical setting.
Additional components included new video monitors, self-service ticket kiosks, upgraded exit turnstiles, enhanced access to the gift shop, new accessible ramps and stairways connecting to fountain areas and the south parking lot, and new men’s and women’s restrooms screened by green walls. Civil, structural, landscape, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing disciplines were fully coordinated to develop a technically integrated and constructible design framework.
Although the project did not proceed to construction, the Design Development established a comprehensive vision for a transformative public entry—balancing sustainability, accessibility, and strengthened civic presence at one of Los Angeles County’s most significant cultural landscapes.
Our design sketches:
