SXSW Center at 1400 Lavaca

SXSW began as small group of individuals discussing the future of entertainment and media who desired to bring the world to Austin. Just over 30 years later, the 3-day music festival has transformed into a 9-day multi-track conference drawing over 417,000 participants.

As the firm neared 250 employees scattered across multiple locations in Austin, SXSW desired to create a new headquarters that could house the entire company while representing their commitment to innovation, creativity and sustainability. Walter P Moore served as structural engineer for the project which was designed by Pei Cobb Freed with Gensler as the architect of record. The building features a curved façade that resembles a music wave and provides an iconic destination in the heart of Austin.

SXSW was drawn to the 1400 block of Lavaca due in large part to a grove of heritage live oaks on the site. Our team worked closely with the contractor to quickly modify and even relocate foundation elements as critical roots were discovered during excavation.

Designers envisioned a serpentine, column-free office space that would provide maximum flexibility for tenants with breathtaking views of the State Capitol and Downtown Austin. The two different shapes required substantially different column layouts. In response, our team developed a means of transferring gravity and lateral loads from one layout to another.

By working closely with both the design and construction teams, Walter P Moore delivered a space that reflects the innovation and creativity inherent to SXSW.