Asia Pacific Cultural Center

Tacoma, WA

APCC is a non-profit formed from the vision of a small group of citizens representing three generations of Americans from Asian and Pacific Islanders heritage. APCC offers programs and services honoring their distinct artistry, business protocols, history, and social practices. SMR designed a permanent home for the APCC on its current site, including the new construction of an 18,500 sq. ft. facility to replace the existing facility. The new home features a performance hall, commercial kitchen, gallery space, a multi-purpose/dance studio, cultural display space, classrooms, office space, and a library. The landscape design respects and complements the mature stand of Oregon White Oak trees that grace the project site. The site is divided conceptually into three zones that reference the climate and flora of the API region. One enters the building on the east through the Pacific Island/Southeast Asian Garden. A Pacific Northwest Oak and Woodland Garden is created under the canopy of the existing trees on the south side of the project to create a pastoral viewing garden. The north side of the building is grade by an East Asian inspired Garden. The building layout is composed of capturing framed views into the landscape and providing natural daylight and cross ventilation.