LACMA façade: glass and brass construction by seele

seele was responsible for the design, fabrication and installation of the complex façade construction for the David Geffen Galleries. The scope included an approximately 4,800 sqm steel mullion-transom façade with a steel substructure and insulated glass units up to 8.3 m high. Both straight and curved glass elements were used.

The façade of the David Geffen Galleries is distinctive because it combines large-format glass surfaces with high-quality brass profiles. This creates a transparent building envelope that brings daylight into the museum, opens views of Los Angeles and translates Peter Zumthor’s architectural vision into a technically precise façade solution. The combination of glass, brass and a demanding structural system makes the LACMA façade a unique example of advanced museum façade engineering.

To help protect the artworks, the glass elements were fitted with a Low-E coating. This ultra-thin metallic coating reflects parts of the solar radiation, reduces the total solar energy transmittance and contributes to protecting sensitive exhibition areas from excessive solar impact. As part of the overall glazing system, the coating supports a stable indoor climate and helps reduce exposure to harmful radiation and heat gain.

Brass is a high-quality material that requires particularly careful processing. For the David Geffen Galleries, the main challenge was to protect the sensitive surface of the extruded brass profiles throughout production, machining and installation. Before processing, machines had to be cleaned precisely to avoid foreign chips, scratches and material contamination. At the same time, the purity of the brass chips had to be ensured for recycling. Oil-based coolants were excluded because they could cause discoloration or chemical reactions on the brass surface. Processes also had to be adapted during extrusion, as transport movements using conveyor belts or steel chains are not designed for untreated visible surfaces of this quality.

Because LACMA is located in a seismically active region, the façade construction was structurally designed to absorb movement and vibration. The steel structure on the upper level was connected to dampers at the head point, allowing occurring vibrations to be absorbed and reduced. In addition, accordion-shaped seals are used at the head point of the glazing. This allows the façade and concrete slab to move independently of each other. This engineered solution helps the building envelope respond to the specific seismic requirements of the Los Angeles location.

Museum façades are far more than functional building envelopes. They shape the identity and public appearance of a museum, give the building landmark character and carry the architectural concept into the urban environment. At the same time, museum façades combine design, material quality and technical performance. This includes controlled daylighting, climatic stability, energy efficiency and the protection of sensitive exhibition spaces.