Frank Gehry Designs YOLA Center for LA Philharmonic in Inglewood

Frank O. Gehry has designed the Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen YOLA Center in Inglewood, a new home for the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles (YOLA) program founded by the LA Philharmonic in 2007. The $14.5 million project will transform over 2,300 square meters of a former Security Pacific Bank branch into a flexible performance and education space. Gehry collaborated with music director Gustavo Dudamel to create a lightweight structure for rehearsals, lessons, and concerts, featuring a performance hall that converts into two smaller rehearsal spaces, with 190 retractable theater seats and a balcony for 70 more. An acoustic shell designed by Gehry and Yasuhisa Toyota of Nagata Acoustics America encloses the stage. A glass-walled roof creates a lantern effect for passersby while admitting natural light. Existing exterior materials—glass, metal, brick, tile, and plaster—will be restored or replaced. YOLA currently serves over 1,200 students at MacArthur Park in Westlake and aims to double enrollment. The center will be the LA Philharmonic's third venue, joining the Hollywood Bowl and Walt Disney Concert Hall (also by Gehry). Construction is set to begin in spring 2019. LA Phil CEO Simon Woods stated the facility will offer thousands of youth creative opportunities and enrich the community in unforeseen ways.