727 Grand
Location: Los Angeles, California Status: Entitlements Submitted Program: Data Center Client: Digital Realty
chevron_left727 Grand
Transforming what could have been hidden infrastructure, 727 Grand delights as a striking, sculptural urban data center. Sited at the nexus of dense global transpacific fiber lines, the project addresses the entertainment and tech industries’ growing demand for secure, low-latency data storage. Its windowless façade embraces the opportunity to redefine infrastructure, transforming the absence of windows into a bold interplay of form and function, allowing light and shadow to sculpt the building.
Data Center as an
Urban Icon
The façade’s rhythmic composition of triangular panels, shifting in scale along the building’s length, creates a dynamic interplay of light, shadow, and reflection. This constant transformation connects the building to Southern California’s year-round sunshine and the city’s changing rhythms, establishing an animated surface that evolves with time and atmosphere. Both solid and ephemeral, the veil reveals and conceals, inviting curiosity and contemplation.
Here, performance and aesthetics are inseparable. The parametric façade captivates visually while enhancing energy efficiency through strategic shading and cooling. Light-colored, reflective materials mitigate the urban heat island effect, while minimal exterior lighting preserves the purity of the night sky. Powered entirely by renewable energy, the project thoughtfully integrates environmental responsibility with architectural ambition and a sense of wonder.
A landscaped terrace adds a serene counterpoint, infusing nature into the urban experience and enriching the quality of life for neighboring residents. At street level, the veil gently lifts, dissolving the boundary between the building and its urban surroundings. This openness fosters a connection with the community, allowing the active program within to engage the public.
Sustainability
Site Plan
