diller scofidio + renfro (DS+R), dorte mandrup, and weiss/manfredi have each presented conceptual approaches to overhaul the site of the la brea tar pits in los angeles. the varied proposals are seen as early contributions to improve the entire 12-acre site, which has not been renovated since it opened more than 40 years ago. the concepts envision a more integrated experience of the museum its surrounding landscape, which is currently home to selgascano?s 2015 serpentine pavilion and will soon be neighbored by peter zumthor?s new LACMA building. the selected masterplan will also increase community access, while preserving the site?s features and developing a more sustainable infrastructure.

diller scofidio + renfro ? publicly accessible dig site supported by mobile ?dig rig? image © diller scofidio + renfro (also main image)
 
 
the asphalt seeps at la brea tar pits are the only consistently active and urban ice age excavation site in the world. this makes the site a unique window into active science ? where fossils are discovered, prepared, researched, and displayed in one place. outside, visitors can watch excavators unearth fossils of the wildlife trapped in the seeps. in march 2019, the natural history museums of los angeles county asked three multidisciplinary teams, each led by renowned architectural firms, to re-imagine la brea tar pits.

diller scofidio + renfro ? museum lobby anchored by hovering collection archive
image © diller scofidio + renfro
 
 
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