Occidental College in Los Angeles, California, was founded in 1887 and is one of the oldest liberal arts colleges on the West Coast of the U.S. In keeping with the college's practice of renovating and repurposing its historic buildings, the latest venture was to upgrade the Cannon Plaza, preserving the colonnaded E.S. Field Building designed by Myron Hunt and converting what once was Taylor Pool into a courtyard and garden. As the restoration project took shape with leadership from Occidental College Facilities Management, Architectural Resources Group (ARG) designed the rehabilitation project, with Tovey/Shultz Construction Inc as the General Contractor, and Watchdog serving as the Construction Manager. The team set out to create a simple and refined space that would evoke the ambiance of a secret and intimate garden while accommodating a multitude of events, both day and night.

Unveiling the Vision

From its inception, the project aspired to weave an immersive experience for all who set foot on the plaza. Collaborating closely with the college president and the facilities team, ARG envisioned a design that transcended the ordinary. The plaza's sprawling expanse of 5,900 square feet and the adjacent covered pavilion of 965 square feet presented a blank canvas for creativity.

The landscape architect carefully curated a contemplative and fragrant plant palette, infusing the space with a sense of serenity. To complement this verdant oasis, the lighting designer meticulously selected period-appropriate pendants, festoon lights, and string lights, imparting a touch of magic that would illuminate the plaza as twilight descended. The designers also envisioned a retractable shade structure for sunny days, teak patio furniture, a retractable screen and a built-in speaker system, with the goal to accommodate up to 250 guests.

Overcoming the Challenges

As with any endeavor of grandeur, the project encountered its share of challenges. The crowning glory of the pavilion, a concealed motorized 100-foot projection screen, posed a unique obstacle. The team sought a solution that would provide shade and protect from the elements without obstructing views of the screen.

The need for a full-length retractable canopy that spanned the courtyard from building to building became paramount. Infinity Canopy, a global manufacturer of shade systems, recommended the unparalleled Soltis 86 Serge Ferrari Group fabric for its durability and superior quality. The fabric's capabilities were put to the test as it had to unfurl gracefully across the vast 65-foot span, while also allowing the canopy drapes to be pulled to the opposite side of the pavilion.

The solution emerged as a work of engineering finesse aided by construction management expertise. The canopies were divided into three equal sections, each measuring nearly 10 feet wide, enabling manual operation with ease. Four anchors secured each canopy, two on the adjacent building and two on the pavilion's steel posts and crossbeam. A meticulous design by Infinity Canopy introduced three separate pulley systems, effortlessly opening and closing the canopies. Festoon lights, adorning the interstice between the sails, accentuated the canopy's allure and provided a picturesque vista under the night sky.

The Choice of Serge Ferrari Group

The selection of Serge Ferrari Group's Soltis Horizon 86 fabric for the canopies stemmed from Infinity Canopy's endorsement of its superior quality and unparalleled durability to match the site conditions and canopy size. With an array of colors and visibility transmission options to choose from, the fabric proved to be an excellent canvas, and the color “Pepper” was chosen to seamlessly complement the California Mission style of the space with its warm and neutral tones.

Soltis Horizon 86 is ideal for a variety of internal and external solar protection applications. In outdoor applications, this fabric is efficient at blocking up to 93% of the heat, while allowing up to 28% natural light transmission. It is easy to clean, UV resistant and provides exceptional dimensional stability thanks to Précontraint® technology, a unique globally patented technology that consists of maintaining the composite in bi-axial tension throughout the manufacturing cycle. This gives Serge Ferrari Group materials outstanding performance and allows them to surpass market standards in terms of dimensional stability, mechanical strength, coating thickness and flatness. Soltis Horizon 86 is GreenGuard certified and recyclable.

The Culmination of Vision and Artistry

As the project reached its crescendo, the Occidental College Cannon Plaza emerged as a striking testament to vision, tenacity and artistic mastery. A celebration of architectural prowess combined with nature's charm, the plaza transformed into a captivating destination for gatherings.

Serge Ferrari Group played a pivotal role, providing extensive fabric samples that guided the selection process and ensured a seamless fit with the overall aesthetic. Throughout the design and construction journey, the team overcame challenges and delivered an oasis that surpassed all expectations. Today, the Cannon Plaza stands not only as a remarkable adaptive reuse and renovation project but also as a living testament to the preservation and appreciation of history, reinvented for generations to come.