lorcan o'herlihy architects transforms cinema into grupo gallegos HQ

lorcan o’herlihy architects transforms cinema into grupo gallegos HQ
photo by lawrence anderson
all images courtesy of lorcan o’herlihy architects

the adaptive re-use of a cinema facility near the main pier in huntington beach, california, has resulted in the headquarters for the creative advertising agency grupo gallegos. designed by los angeles-based lorcan o’herlihy architects (LOHA), the scheme maintains much of the existing structure and spatial layout, composed with a large and open desk area at its center and conference rooms projecting from the mezzanine above. wide stairways separate the different departments of the office, and serve as communal gathering and collaboration spaces. the ceiling-scape is characterized by an arrangement of 300 hung umbrellas, which diffuse lighting and conceal the fire protection system.

a wide staircase serves as a communal gathering area
photo by lawrence anderson

based on the company’s client base and location near the ocean, it was requested that LOHA incorporate elements of both hispanic culture and coastal lifestyle into the office design. the latter is referenced through a vibrant color palette, and the sun shade umbrellas commonly seen at the beach. additionally, the building’s existing ticket booth has been converted into a juice bar, which is typical in southern california customs.

the exterior faces of the conference rooms, which project over the open desk area, are used as graphic billboards. for example, the word ‘ocupado,’ meaning ‘busy’ in spanish, wraps both volumes, while the opening and closing of louver screen systems provide a visual signal of the space’s privacy status.

the ceiling is covered in 300 hung umbrellas, which diffuse lighting and conceal the fire protection system
photo by lawrence anderson

in order to engage the outside public with the creative office environment, the facility provides a gymnasium, which caters to local youth sport leagues. this programmatic aspect, along with a revitalized design, promote an atmosphere that feels as much like a community hub as it does a workplace.

photo by lawrence anderson

an upper level conference room projects into the open desk area, with the word ‘ocupado’ written on its exterior
photo by lawrence anderson

the entry lobby and reception area is located beneath a lowered yellow ceiling
photo by lawrence anderson

located near the huntington beach pier, the scheme includes a vibrant color palette
photo by lawrence anderson

the workplace is complemented by a publicly accessible gymnasium
photo by lawrence anderson

photo by lawrence anderson

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level +1

project info:

location: huntington beach, CA, united states
program: creative offices, recreational facilities, café, kitchen
completion date: 2010
size: 30,000 sqf
client: grupo gallegos
architecture team: lorcan o’herlihy (principal), donnie schmidt (pd), kathy williams (pm), ian dickenson (pm), tom myers, alex morassut
photography: lawrence anderson