Historic Los Angeles College Gains a Modern Courtyard with Textile Shading

Occidental College in Los Angeles, one of the oldest liberal arts colleges on the West Coast of the United States, has completed another important modernization of its historic campus space. The project included the renovation of Cannon Plaza, the preservation of the colonnaded E.S. Field Building designed by Myron Hunt, and the transformation of the former Taylor Pool into an elegant courtyard and garden.

The aim of the project was to create an intimate, peaceful space that would both reflect the historic character of the campus and meet the contemporary needs of its users. The new courtyard was designed to serve as a place for everyday relaxation as well as for events organized for the academic community and university guests.

A Hidden Garden in the Heart of the Campus

The modernization works were carried out under the direction of Occidental College’s Facilities Management department. Architectural Resources Group was responsible for the design, Tovey/Shultz Construction Inc. served as the general contractor, and Watchdog managed the construction process.

The designers opted for a simple yet elegant composition. The 5,900-square-foot plaza and the adjacent 965-square-foot pavilion provided the foundation for creating a space reminiscent of an intimate, hidden garden. The landscape architect selected fragrant plants that encourage reflection, while the lighting design was complemented by classic pendant lamps and string lights, creating a warm atmosphere after dark.

The new space was also equipped with teak patio furniture, an integrated sound system, and solutions enabling events for up to 250 people.

Shading as a Key Element of the Project

One of the greatest technical challenges was designing effective sun protection for the courtyard. Particular attention had to be paid to the hidden, motorized 100-foot projection screen located in the pavilion. The shading system needed to protect users from the sun and weather conditions, while at the same time not limiting the visibility of the screen or the functionality of the space.

The solution was a full-size retractable canopy stretched over the courtyard between the buildings. Infinity Canopy recommended the use of Serge Ferrari Group’s Soltis 86 fabric, pointing to its durability, stability, and performance characteristics suitable for such a demanding application.

The fabric had to operate across a 65-foot span and allow the canopy panels to be conveniently moved to the opposite side of the pavilion. Ultimately, the structure was divided into three independent sections, each nearly 10 feet wide. Each section was secured using four anchoring points — two attached to the adjacent building and two to the steel posts and crossbeam of the pavilion. A system of three independent pulley mechanisms allows each canopy section to be opened and closed manually with ease.

After dark, the whole space is enhanced by string lights stretched between the fabric sails, reinforcing the garden-like and intimate character of the courtyard.

Why Soltis 86 Fabric Was Chosen

The project used Serge Ferrari Group’s Soltis 86 fabric in the “Pepper” color. This shade harmonizes well with the warm, neutral aesthetic of the California Mission-style architecture characteristic of the Occidental College campus.

Soltis 86 is a fabric designed for sun protection applications, both indoors and outdoors. In exterior applications, it can block up to 93% of heat while allowing up to 28% of natural light to pass through. The fabric is UV-resistant, easy to maintain, and offers high dimensional stability thanks to Serge Ferrari’s Précontraint® technology.

This technology provides excellent performance in terms of mechanical strength, material flatness, coating thickness, and dimensional stability. Additional advantages include GreenGuard Gold certification and the material’s recyclability.

A New Function for a Historic Space

The modernization of Cannon Plaza shows how respect for historic architecture can be combined with modern functionality. The former swimming pool has been transformed into an attractive space for meetings, relaxation, and events, while maintaining a strong connection with the character of the campus.

Thanks to the cooperation of designers, contractors, and technology suppliers, it was possible to create a place that not only responds to the current needs of users but also gives the historic space a new role for the years to come. Cannon Plaza has become an example of successful adaptation and renovation — one that does not erase the past, but creatively develops it.

Project Participants

• Architect: Architectural Resources Group
• General contractor: Tovey/Shultz Construction Inc.
• Construction manager: Watchdog
• Structure manufacturer: Infinity Canopy
• Project engineer: Risha Engineering
• Canopy structural engineer: Sullaway Engineering
• Installer: Superior Awning
• Photos: Marc Campos / Ed Carreón
• Copyright: Marc Campos / Ed Carreón