Project Year 3 Semester 1 (Semester 5/6)
Leimert Park is a very unique neighborhood in Los Angeles, though its history is unfortunately not uncommon in the United States.
Built in the 1920s, Leimert Park was meant to be for white people only, but with many black people in the surrounding neighborhoods of South Los Angeles, many soon moved away. The neighborhood then grew to become one of the most important center of Black/African American culture, arts and music in Los Angeles and famous throughout the country. This history was very important for me to recognise, respect and consider, while working on the project.
Built in the 1920s, Leimert Park was meant to be for white people only, but with many black people in the surrounding neighborhoods of South Los Angeles, many soon moved away. The neighborhood then grew to become one of the most important center of Black/African American culture, arts and music in Los Angeles and famous throughout the country. This history was very important for me to recognise, respect and consider, while working on the project.
The plinth the building is connected to the important main street of Leimert Park. Therefore, I wanted to keep it entirely public , with openings to the backside, where more outdoor space is for anyone from the area. To avoid the continuous storefront, a single wedge was used to carve out of the facade and give it more depth. The housing above the plinth started with a single cube, big enough for 1 person to live; with bathroom, kitchen, live, work and sleep-areas. The five-sided wedge used to carve out of the storefront, rotated in the nine other directions was used to carve out of these living-cubes. Each cube, as a result, has a different way of letting light in. The 62 units are stacked up, without overpowering the important landmark Vision Theater to the North. Without being much of a landscape designer, I have spend considerable time on my attempt to present the outdoor and public spaces as areas to be given back to this involved and passionate community.
