The renovation of the façade of the Santa Monica Parking Structures 2, 4 and 5, with public artwork created by Cliff Garten Studio, is an integral improvement to the downtown Santa Monica experience. The three public parking structures, which act as the hallway to the downtown area, are rejuvenated with facades that are designed to create an identity, improve aesthetics and wayfinding. The art components, a light column, and façade, signage panels, refer to the motion. The rippling waves of the facade panels offer a subtle reference to the Pacific Ocean only a few blocks away. The 75’ column, as well as the panels, is perforated with an organically inspired pattern, water-jet cut into the metal to allow light to travel throughout the form. The contoured panels play with sunlight and shadow during the day and are illuminated with LED color at night.

Prior to the renovation of the facades, there were no features to distinguished between each location. The new design uses unique complimentary color schemes at each structure to assist in wayfinding. LED lighting provides not only intense color saturation but also is highly energy efficient, and is directed through the column and reflected on the ceiling of each floor of the structure. This vibrant combination sets the parking structures apart from their context and celebrates the entry to the downtown area.