Samitaur Tower Broadcasts Community Art in Culver City

The <a href="http://www.samitaurtowers.com/" target="_blank">Samitaur Tower</a> by <a href="http://www.ericowenmoss.com/index.php?/content/projects/" target="_blank">Eric Owen Moss Architects</a> is an urban infill project in Culver City, CA that serves as an information tower and community advertisement platform. Located right next to the <a href="http://www.buildexpo.org/" target="_blank">Expo light rail transit line</a> coming in from <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/2010/04/29/la-considering-massive-central-park-above-highway-101/" target="_blank">Downtown LA</a> and close to a major freeway, the tower is seen by thousands of commuters and local event information is projected from its five screens. Built from steel, glass and concrete, the project is incredibly interesting architecturally and serves as a prototype for a new urban community park.

Located at the corner of Hayden Avenue and National Boulevard with the new Expo light rail line running directly at the base of the building, the new Samitaur Tower is aptly located for viewing by commuters.

The 72 foot tall tower is constructed of circular steel platforms that are covered with a translucent acrylic screen.

The open air design of the tower takes advantage of the mild and sometimes warm LA climate and relies on natural ventilation for cooling.

Access up the tower is gained via an outdoor staircase and an internal elevator shaft.

At the base of the tower an open air amphitheater is landscaped with native drought tolerant grasses and will be open for community events.

The screens are backed by 10 projectors which broadcast advertisments and information about events in the area as well as exhibits inside the information tower and art space.

At night the tower and its projected information are even more easily seen by people passing by.

As the tower is located near a light rail line and within easy walking distance of two stations, its a great urban infill project and will inspire commuters as they ride by.

The tower will also act as important gateway to the Culver City area which is currently undergoing redevelopment and will act as the cultural hub for the area.

The Expo line light rail will soon be completed and connect Culver City to Downtown LA allowing commuters to arrive in less than 30 minutes.

The tower is perfectly located between two light rail stations and can be seen from the I-10 freeway.

The five story tall tower was also built to be earthquake resistant and has a very solid underground foundation.

The tower and below grade amphitheater and courtyard space will be the perfect location for art exhibits, cultural activities and community events.