Following the demolition of the original lifeguard station at the La Jolla Shores beach in San Diego, RNT Architects was commissioned to design its replacement. The project began with several models proposing different directions for the project – its final iteration began with a single, miniature staircase leading to a small shelter on top.
Wanting to preserve the “eternal quality” of the beach, the designers focused on maintaining the sweeping panoramic view, opting to create a building with as little presence as possible. By floating the actual lifeguard station above the ground, it is expressed as just another layer of “erupting geology,” like an “angel hovering over the beach, looking and protecting everyone.” See the lifeguard station with commentary from the architects in the latest video by BreadTruck Films.
