Weiss/Manfredi to reimagine the La Brea Tar Pits

– Marion Weiss
Weiss/Manfredi have been chosen to lead a masterplanning project for the 13ac (5ha) campus of the La Brea Tar Pits, which is described as the world’s only active paleontological research facility in a major urban area.
Tar Pits form when a type of naturally occurring petroleum leaks to the surface of the ground and its lighter elements evaporate off, leaving a sticky pool that can trap and preserve animals.
Research at the La Brea Tar Pits, which are situated in Los Angeles’s Hancock Park, began in 1913 and millions of sample have been recovered from them, including sabre-toothed cats, dire wolf and mastodon skeletons, plants, rodents and insects.
Carried out for the Natural History Museums of Los Angeles County (NHMLAC), of which the Tar Pits are part, the work will span a number of years and comprise a process of public engagement, masterplanning, design and construction.
It is aimed at rejuvenating the complex, enhancing the public experience and improving sustainability.
It will incorporate the centre's paleontological research site, its asphalt seeps, surrounding parkland, and the George C. Page Museum building.
Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, principals at Weiss/Manfredi, said: “Our ‘Loops and Lenses’ concept creates new connections between the museum and the park, between science and culture, and envisions the entire site as an unfolding place of discovery. We are thrilled to begin work with Dr. Bettison-Varga and NHMLAC to rejuvenate the tar pits and the museum and carry them into the future and into the public imagination.”
Weiss/Manfredi's proposal, described as a "21st-century reimagining" of the destination by Los Angeles county supervisor Sheila Kuehl, was chosen from 2,100 submissions and a final shortlist of three.
Weiss/Manfredi

“We finally have a space worthy of our collection”: V&A launches huge new Photography Centre

Immersive storytelling museum takes pride of place at revamped Tiffany & Co. in NYC following redesign led by Peter Marino and OMA

Elegant Dior spa inspired by nature opens at Hôtel Du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes

Bjarke Ingels among finalists chosen in design competition for National Museum of the United States Navy

De Matos Ryan and AOC Architecture prepare to open Young V&A London

ACPV Architects Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel creates new Bulgari Tokyo

Manchester City submits £300m Populous-designed plans to redevelop Etihad Stadium and add 400-bedroom hotel

Woods Bagot completes $120m refurb of Continental Sorrento with subterranean bathhouse and spa

New Dior spa carriage opens aboard Belmond’s luxury Royal Scotsman train

Bjarke Ingels creates meandering eco distillery attraction for Blue Run Kentucky

bbspa_Group to realise urban destination spa inside Sardinian football stadium

Thinkwell to deliver the world's first Play-Doh attractions in Saudi Arabia

Jayasom partners with Amaala to unveil multigenerational health resort in Saudi Arabia

OMA's Ellen van Loon is the visionary behind new cultural centre for Manchester

James Corner Field Operations creates Highline for London

Esbjerg’s landmark maritime center, designed by WERK Arkitekter and Snøhetta, opens to the public

SEVEN to open world’s first indoor Discovery Adventures centres in Saudi Arabia

Fun and fear drive new Universal attraction concepts for Texas and Las Vegas

Voelker Gray Design creates 10-acre hot springs wellness haven for Atlanta

AIDarchitecten create healing spa for Antwerp's Botanic Sanctuary

Hollaway Studio's Seahive would bring blue health to South-East England

SEVEN to invest US$13bn in developing entertainment destinations across Saudi Arabia

World Spa’s expansive 50,000sq ft urban bathhouse and wellness club opens in Brooklyn

Floating Salmon Eye visitor attraction by Kvorning Design highlights sustainable aquaculture

White Arkitekter's Wood Hotel in Skellefteå Swedish Lapland is climate positive and made from local timber

Nohlab's 'Everything' installation among Noor Riyadh festival highlights

Bob Iger's return to Disney sparks major restructuring focused on creativity and storytelling

Therme Group plans US$200m urban wellbeing resort in South Korea

Digital art installation in Nanjing helps the public keep an eye on exoplanets
