The Catholic University’s Innovation Center

Capturing the rear of the building (which is just as dramatic as the front). The oversized window gaps create a series of outdoor terrace spaces where the building’s occupants can gather.  (Carolina A. Miranda / Los Angeles Times)

The Innovation Center has a couple of access points. The principal one is reached off the main gate into the university, just off the metro, past a series of orb-shaped sculptures. Altogether, it exerts a strong gravitational pull.  (Carolina A. Miranda / Los Angeles Times)

The building has a dense concrete skin, but it’s interior is a sunny open space featuring a boxy geometric pattern made from steel and oak. The steel frame to the left carries the elevators.  (Carolina A. Miranda / Los Angeles Times)

The architects wanted to create a building that had a transparent interior - where the occupants of one floor might be able to see what another was working on. This is the view from the glass-walled elevators, which provide a staggering trip through the structure.  (Carolina A. Miranda / Los Angeles Times)

The rectangular oak beams add a bit of warmth to the steel and concrete interiors. They also frame the views of each floor. This one, at ground level, provides a sense of scale.  (Carolina A. Miranda / Los Angeles Times)

The building’s elevated terraces serve as impromptu gathering spaces where people can meet, eat a sandwich or have a cigarette - all with views of the city. This was a key part of the design: to create social spaces where surprise interactions could occur.  (Carolina A. Miranda / Los Angeles Times)

The interior is truly breathtaking: a combination of power and function and geometry. The first thing most visitors to the building do when they arrive inside is look up and just stare.  (Carolina A. Miranda / Los Angeles Times)

Seen from the east, Aravena’s building appears to extend a hand to the Catholic University’s Education School, which was designed by another architect, but is also made with Béton brut concrete.  (Carolina A. Miranda / Los Angeles Times)

The building as seen from the eastern side of campus -- from another Aravena-designed building, the Siamese Towers.  (Carolina A. Miranda / Los Angeles Times)