Civic

Laguna Beach Community & Susi-Q Senior Center

Laguna Beach, California

Located at one edge of downtown Laguna Beach, this 21,000-sq.-ft. project includes a senior center and community center over subterranean parking, with sustainability integrated into every aspect of the project.

Responding to over 50 feet of topography, the larger studio and meeting rooms are located below grade to the rear of the site. The pedestrian orientated Third Street is defined by three "cottages" each opening to a courtyard terrace. These outdoor "rooms" include a quiet gathering area for the seniors, a break-out space for the City Conference Room, a terrace extension to the Art Studio and a large space for community gatherings.

Courtyard amenities include raised planters, wood trellises, enhanced paving, seating areas, and a large natural turf area within the central terrace. Synthetic wood siding, aluminum clad wood operable windows, exposed wood overhangs, and copper gutters create an aesthetic that reflects the texture, scale and historical charm of Laguna Beach.