The design-build team of SWA Architects and Abbott Construction recently achieved occupancy for the Arcadia Mental Health Center Replacement, a new, single story, 11,800 square foot mental health clinic. The team is extremely pleased to continue on pace with a very challenging schedule to deliver this milestone for Los Angeles County. Demolition of the existing clinic and sitework is ongoing and is scheduled to be completed this August.
Artist, Merle Axelrad
Coinciding with occupancy activities was the installation of the building’s art feature in the main lobby, a hanging sculpture by artist Merle Axelrad. SWA designed the lobby to accommodate a dramatic hanging piece of artwork by using high lofted ceilings, flush lighting elements and full height curtain wall glazing to wash the space in natural light. Merle’s piece features shapes and images of the endangered monarch butterfly hanging from aluminum branch elements. Titled “Butterfly Effect”, the sculpture symbolizes the process of transformation and reemergence that inspires the healing mission of the Mental Health Center.