Santa Monica Airport Placemaking

Location Santa Monica, California

As part of a refresh of 11 commercially leased properties on the Santa Monica Airport campus, the city retained John Wyka Architecture to create a common identity among the buildings through painting and signage. The structure date from the 1940’s to the 1980’s, typifying a variety of architectural styles.

To create this distinct identity the commercial buildings occupied by creative firms and artists will be painted in a “dazzle” style harking back to the camouflage schemes of naval ships in WWI. By creating a distinct style that can be applied to buildings regardless of shape, form, or condition the buildings will be transformed from the airport’s “ugly ducklings” into vibrant landmarks that attract the eye and provide unity to the campus.