Chapter Five: Cloud Forest

 December 2017, Creative Agency Headquarters on 3rd & Traction, Los Angeles Arts District 

In an effort to challenge the current California Building Standards Code to rethink the use of mass timber in tower construction, Cloud Forest rises eight stories above ground, standing tall and proud of the interlocking two directional cross-laminated timber moment frame connections that keep it standing in its earthquake prone site. Parabolic arches cut from each panel carve the interior experience into dramatic chambers. Archways extending through various floors connect coworkers through voids every other level. Fitted tight with hammock netting and plush pillows, the double height space creates a dual-purpose social lounge sack and connective space between floors. The arches are of course the structural system, but to me they are so much more. They represent my belief that architecture of today shouldn't be afraid of historical reference. I see so much beauty in the ability to pull design elements from the past and adapt them into a fresh, modern, and all-together new narrative. So, when given the opportunity to push the boundaries of tall timber structures, I went three steps further and asked, "Why can't a sustainable office tower be a neo-gothic cathedral?". 

Sustainability drove the massing to minimize facade surface area with the max allowable footprint for cross-ventilation. With the temperate California climate, ample natural air circulation and chilled beams were essential to reducing the required HVAC system. Once the core requirements were surpassed, I put my head in the clouds and dreamt up a fog facade. The closed cavity facade was the true icing on the cake. A sustainably performative facade with a choreographed visual performance. 

A module was made in two floor heights and repeated between each exterior column. Every other module in the row was rotated 180° to evoke an undulating fluid exterior. The modules are fitted with a dry fog input and output that connects to the in floor venting system around the perimeter of each floor. The dry fog simultaneously sterilizes the interior cavity, leaving no residue, while a cloud rises to the top half or fills the cavity completely depending on the sun angle and exposure. Light is scattered evening across the interior conditions of each floor, diminishing glare, and greatly reducing solar gain. The Cloud Forest control system also allows for on demand use for privacy or evening special events where LED lamps illuminate the clouds from within the cavity. Its presence is theatrical, daring, and so fitting for the surroundings. But, practicality down to its bones is what pushes Cloud Forest from a dream to reality. For the city with the biggest dreams: Cloud Forest, pulling every starlet high above the rest.

Cloud Forest opened my eyes to the beautiful spectrum of challenges that come with a comprehensive building. The challenges and restrictions that come with code compliance ended up propelling my design into an enlightened place of feasibility. The moment I began seeing and treating my design as a physical building, I realized something; what I cherish most, is the ability to make ideas come to life.