CINMA LA
Cinema, Institute, & Museum of Media Arts
Welcome to the Cinema, Institute, and Museum of Media Arts Los Angeles. Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, the building makes an immediate impression with its asymmetrical and sculptural design. Its form, however, is responsive to the sloping ground it sits atop. A gentle slope takes visitors to the second floor, where the main gallery resides. The building is composed of three horizontal stacked masses but divided into two vertical zones. On the west wing is the Institute, featuring a library and educational spaces on the second floor, with a café. retail area, and outdoor public gathering space on the first. This wing’s elevated and angled glass façade floods the interior with daylight and offers views of the private outdoor gathering space, a venue for galas and events. The east wing houses the museum’s MOMA exhibition on the first floor, with digital galleries and screening rooms above. This section is purposefully designed to minimize sunlight exposure, preserving the integrity of digital displays and artifacts.
Site located in 742 Main St. Los Angeles, CA 90007
Directed by Vlanka Catalan
Completed Fall 2024
Structurally, CINMA is built entirely of stacked CLT wall panels, with the second floor cantilevered to create a visually dynamic profile. The walls are angled with purpose: one at 45 degrees to invite sunlight, and another angled at 36 degrees to reject it, balancing illumination and shade strategically. The ground floor, hidden from street access, accommodates administrative and storage functions while supporting the irregularly stacked volumes above. Approaching the main entrance, visitors pass filtration ponds that flank the path, collecting rainwater from the corten-steel facade and channeling it into a filtration system beneath the slope. These sustainable features integrate seamlessly with the building's design. Selective wall openings allow for soft-diffused light, while the glass blocks create a soft inner glow at night, casting intriguing shadows and inviting curiosity from passersby.
