Design studio Departamento del Distrito has created an innovative solar-powered pavilion at the Craft Contemporary museum in Los Angeles that generates electricity to power the courtyard where it's installed. The installation, called Light Gauge, not only produces clean energy but also provides much-needed shade and cooling for visitors in the outdoor space.
Curated by Materials & Applications, a local architectural organization, the Light Gauge installation spans across a courtyard on Wilshire Boulevard, positioned between the Craft Contemporary museum and an adjacent clinic building. The structure demonstrates how sustainable design can address both energy needs and climate comfort in urban environments.
The pavilion consists of two main volumes positioned at opposite ends of the outdoor courtyard, featuring canopies supported by adapted telecommunications frame components. The canopies incorporate south-facing photovoltaic panels mixed with corrugated polycarbonate and metal mesh materials. Bright green and yellow steel components provide additional structural support, creating a visually striking design that stands out against the Los Angeles skyline.
According to Departamento del Distrito, the solar structure connects to inverters and batteries located on the ground level, which supply power to various plug-in components throughout the space. These include a series of ceiling-mounted fans, drop-down electrical cords, and lighting systems that enhance the functionality of the outdoor area. The suspended fans create a gentle breeze that helps cool visitors, while the overhead panels provide essential shade from the California sun.
The pavilion serves a dual purpose by powering the museum's outdoor programming while meeting "the everyday needs and whims of courtyard visitors," as described by the design team. The studio emphasized the elegance of their solution, stating, "Panels provide shade. Fans generate a subtle breeze. Energy is free." This approach demonstrates how architectural installations can address multiple urban challenges simultaneously.
The design philosophy behind Light Gauge draws inspiration from "adaptable industrial systems and network thinking," according to the studio. This approach reflects a growing trend in sustainable architecture where designers repurpose industrial components and infrastructure to create functional public spaces that respond to climate challenges.
The Light Gauge pavilion joins a growing collection of climate-oriented architectural installations designed to provide outdoor heat relief. Similar projects include a structure by Henning Larsen and the University of Pennsylvania that radiates cool air, and an installation at Harvard University featuring potted plants and an inflatable canopy. These projects represent innovative approaches to making outdoor spaces more comfortable in an era of rising temperatures.
Departamento del Distrito operates between Mexico City and Houston, bringing a binational perspective to their architectural practice. Founded in 2017 by Francisco Quiñones and Nathan Friedman, the studio specializes in public, residential, and curatorial projects that often address social and environmental challenges through design innovation.
The Light Gauge installation will remain on display until October 26 at Craft Contemporary in Los Angeles, giving visitors several weeks to experience this unique combination of renewable energy technology and climate-responsive architecture. Photography of the installation was captured by Adriana Hamui, documenting how the pavilion transforms the museum's outdoor space into a more comfortable and functional environment for public use.
