The Umbrella

The Umbrella is a project begun in Los Angeles' Culver City, California. The project was meant to be innovative by using a variety of materials to create an architectural formation that would be quite interesting. It is part of the revitalization project in Culver City in which developers Frederick and Laurie Smith are trying to bring back the city's earlier glory.

The idea for the Umbrella structure came from Los Angeles Philharmonic's "Green Umbrella" series where they played some experimental music. The Philharmonic didn't want to have anything to do with the project, but it continued so that an outdoor seating and performance space was created with amphitheatre options. The structure looks like a giant umbrella on the outside, but is a full stage and theater on the inside. It is possible to hear music by sitting on the lawn for those who do not care to watch the performance.

The central platform was created with a series of stairs to lead to two terraces that cantilever over people walking by. There is laminated glass with an extreme curvature in order to create the umbrella, but also make sure it would not break. There are two recycled trusses used for the roof.