| BA COLLECTIVE

The re-envisioned BAR Center renovation re-organizes the layout of the first floor to include an interactive main lobby and community room; it re-instates a second story which has classrooms, collaborative spaces, a Jewish multimedia library, and an expansive roof deck; and add a loft-like third floor to house a three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment for Jewish youth who organize activities. Collectively, these spaces create a flexible and robust community center, appropriate for hosting programs for seniors and youth alike – accessible to all.

The design seeks a balance between the desire for the Center to be welcoming and open, while simultaneously addressing the vigilance required of a Jewish center. Along the oceanfront, a curtain wall provides natural light and views from interior to the public realm; gradually, the geometric motif (an abstraction of the Star of David) becomes a solid screen, overlaying the north wall. Our solution to this seemingly paradoxical requirement uses a continuous pattern that transitions from opaque to sheer, secure to open.

Lindsey led the design, entitlements, permitting, and construction of the BAR Center. This work was completed while at Belzberg Architects (now BA Collective).

Location: Venice Beach, CA

Photography: ©Art Gary for BA Collective

Role: Lindsey Sherman Contento: Project Architect

Full Team: Hagy Belzberg, Lindsey Sherman Contento, Kristofer Leese, Barry Gartin, Jessica Hong, Corie Saxmam, Jenny Fontenot, Ashley Coon, Chris Sanford