CONNER & PERRY ARCHITECTS
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The Conner & Perry Architects blog is a treasure trove of information for anyone interested in contemporary architecture, particularly the philosophy and practice of organic architecture. Led by Kris Conner and James Perry, who received their training from the legendary architect John Lautner, the team brings a unique perspective to each project they undertake. Their blog features insights into the design process, including the challenges and rewards of renovating large and small-scale projects. Whether you are a seasoned architect or a curious reader, the blog offers valuable resources and information about the principles of organic architecture. With over 30 years of combined experience in architecture, construction, fabrication, and design-build, the team at Conner & Perry Architects is committed to creating buildings that are both beautiful and functional. Through their blog, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the philosophy and practice of organic architecture and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in the field.

Restoring the 'Above Horizon' Skyspace: Art and Resilience in Beverly Hills

Interior daytime view of James Turrell Skyspace 'Above Horizon' at the Sheats-Goldstein Residence, looking upward through the open oculus to the sky – designed for James Goldstein, preserved by Conner & Perry Architects, Los Angeles

Above Horizon Skyspace, with daylight streaming through its open oculus, captured by Joe Fletcher.

Perched on a steep Beverly Hills hillside, the Goldstein Skyspace, or Above Horizon, is a masterful collaboration between artist James Turrell and the architectural legacy of John Lautner. Completed in 2004, this concrete shell structure, designed with architect Duncan Nicholson and structural engineer Andrew Nasser, faced a crisis during the heavy rains of 2023. Our architecture firm, working with Turrell Studio, restored this iconic space, bringing it back to full brilliance.

A Vision Realized

Envisioned by owner James Goldstein, the Skyspace was meant to unite Turrell’s light artistry with Lautner’s architecture. After Lautner’s passing, Nicholson, his apprentice, collaborated with Turrell to complete the project. Built on a challenging site, the concrete structure complements the adjacent 1963 Sheats Goldstein Residence. The Skyspace features two operable openings—a central oculus and a corner window—framing the sky. Embedded LEDs illuminate the white plaster walls, creating preprogrammed dawn and dusk shows that transform perceptions of the sky’s color.

Interior of James Turrell Skyspace 'Above Horizon' at Sheats-Goldstein Residence, illuminated by intense blue LED light with daylight through open vault-style door – preserved by Conner & Perry Architects, Los Angeles

The 2023 Deluge

Los Angeles’ 2022–2023 water year brought record-breaking rain, with storms in February and March overwhelming the region. Water infiltrated the Skyspace through an electrical conduit, damaging the electrical system and computer controlling the light shows, rendering the space inoperable.

Detail of curved window in James Turrell Skyspace 'Above Horizon' at Sheats-Goldstein Residence, pink LED-lit interior framing glowing Los Angeles city lights beyond – preserved by Conner & Perry Architects

A Collaborative Restoration

Our firm, in partnership with Turrell Studio, undertook a comprehensive restoration. We replaced the damaged electrical equipment with modern systems and upgraded the aging LED lighting to enhance the vibrancy of Turrell’s sequences. The reprogrammed dawn and dusk shows were fine-tuned to preserve the artist’s vision. The restored Skyspace now operates flawlessly, its radiant light amplifying the transformative experience.

Evening light show in James Turrell Skyspace 'Above Horizon' at Sheats-Goldstein Residence, sky shifting colors through open oculus under intense pink LED illumination – preserved by Conner & Perry Architects, Los Angeles

A Legacy Preserved

The Goldstein Skyspace shines once again as a pinnacle of art and innovation, its operable openings and dynamic lighting redefining perceptions of the sky. Our restoration honors the legacy of Turrell, Lautner, and Goldstein, ensuring this masterpiece endures. Bequeathed to LACMA, the Skyspace and its surrounding property will stand as a lasting cultural treasure, preserving its transformative vision for future generations.

James Perry