photo by John Linden

MO - MO - MO - MODAA MONUMENTALIZED

SPF:a’s President and CEO, Judit Méda Fekete realized a long-time dream this winter, when she completed her first development project, the MODAA (Museum of Design Art & Architecture) Building. After spotting the perfect site in 2003, a 240’ x 90’ piece of land in heart of Culver City, Judit secured the land and sketched up the building, the elements of her dream: the architectural studio with a spacious model shop, an art gallery, a small restaurant/café on the corner and live/work lofts above. “The concept of the design only took a weekend for Judy, it was already in her head. Then she quickly organized the team, negotiated the entitlements, and formulated the entire financial package required to jump-start the project.” says Zoltan Pali, partner and design principal.

“The skin of the building is dedicated to further exploration of the synergistic relationship between art and architecture,” says Fekete. “MODAA accomplishes this in so many ways. The façade, as an icon, represents the activities within the building,” she added. “The project is about time and scale, much like a piece of music,” explains Judit. “...it endeavors to reflect the dynamic change and opportunity within this particular site of Culver City.

This unique façade received a rare “Architecture as Art” distinction from the Culver City Cultural Affairs Commission, a distinction only received by one other building in the city’s history.

Constructed of cement fiberboard panels, assembled in different colors, the 16-, 32-, and 48- inch long panels also vary in relief and positioning. The entire system “floats” in front of the building and functions practically as a rain screen and shading system along the fenestration. By its separation of the structural face of the building, the floating façade also creates a thermal and acoustical barrier. Judit called on long time friend Steve M. Sharpe (Sharpe Interior Systems) to install the 360-foot long by 32-foot high piece of structural artwork. The question is,” she reflects, “will it stand the test of time? Of course, I and my entire team believe that it will.”

The 30,000 square foot complex will open to the public in March 2006, with the first art gallery exhibition to feature the artwork of Ron Reihel. In early April the café/restaurant will open featuring chef Michael Wilson.

MODAA is located at 8609 East Washington Boulevard, between Sherbourne Drive and Cattaraugus Avenue. The building is two blocks east of the Helms Bakery complex, home to Westside hotspots such as the Beacon Asian café and Jazz Bakery, and what is becoming one of the hottest furniture districts in the city. The area has been coined the Helms Design District by local real estate visionaries.