This project was selected as an Honor winner in ARCHITECT's 2022 Architecture & Interiors Awards, Interior: Cultural category

View our complete project portfolio with additional photos here on the Cascade Architectural website.

“The gentle rounded spaces and sheer mesh coil draperies provide a safe space for people to learn about the complex issues of social justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion.” — Juror Denise Rush

The new Claudia and Nelson Peltz Social Lab in The Museum of Tolerance is a 10,000-square-foot interactive gallery designed by Yazdani Studio of CannonDesign in Los Angeles. Located on the lower exhibition floor of the 1993 museum, the Social Lab houses three unique exhibitions that work to promote universal tolerance and inclusion.

Yazdani Studio wove technology, such as LED touch-screen panels, throughout the spaces to better convey its message. The designers also hung veils made of metal coils from the ceiling, dividing exhibits while creating backdrops for film projections.

By organizing the exhibits to ensure seamless circulation, the design team emphasized connections between the exhibitions, empowering visitors to explore methods of action against racism, bigotry, and anti-Semitism.

Project Credits:

Project: Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles, Claudia and Nelson Peltz Social Lab

Location: Los Angeles

Client/Owner: Simon Wiesenthal Center

Architects: Yazdani Studio of CannonDesign, Los Angeles

Interior Designer: Yazdani Studio of CannonDesign, Los Angeles. Mehrdad Yazdani, Lead Designer; Michael Smith, AIA, Project Principal and Architect of Record; Mimi Lam, Senior Designer; Paul Morel, Project Manager, AIA; Glenn Ginter, Project Architect; Nan Yen Chen, Designer; Mai Duellman, Designer

M/E/P Engineer: IMEG

Electrical Engineer: IMEG N/A

Plumbing Engineer: IMEG N/A

General Contractor: Sierra Pacific Constructors, Jeff Kitka, Senior Project Manager

Lighting Designer: HLB Lighting Design. Tina Aghassian, IESNA, MIES, CLD, Assoc. AIA, Principal; Azusa Yabe, Senior Associate; Karen Park, Associate

Audio Visual System: Electrosonic, Chris Conte, VP

Interactive design & producer: Unifiedfield_Marla Supnick , Alisa Katz

Exhibition Fabricator: MidState Expositions, LLC, Robin Bell

Size: 10,000 square feet

Cost: $15 million

Materials and Sources:

Acoustical System: Veneklasen Associates

Lighting Control Systems: ETC Mosaic

Paints/Finishes: Cascade Fabricoil Metal Link Screen