Smart & Final
West Hollywood, California
Unlike the corporate prototype, this outlet of the regional food warehouse chain was designed to make a positive contribution to its urban context. Flanking retail spaces contribute to the pedestrian activity in this dense, ethnically diverse neighborhood. Canopies, differentiated by color, define the pedestrian environment and street entrance into the central store, while a sign pylon, reminiscent of Los Angeles vehicular tradition, marks the location for passing motorists. Clerestories provide natural light to the interior of this 20,000 sq. ft. market. Articulated banding of the textured concrete block pattern and belt courses unify the structure while providing interest to a low cost, vandal resistant exterior shell. Parking access is provided from the adjacent side street to maintain the pedestrian frontage along the primary urban street facade.