ADMIRATION OF SERVICE
Mixed Use - DTLA Plan 2040
Professor Sarah Lorenzen
Location:
Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles
Located on the corner of Violet and Santa Fe Ave in DTLA, the immediate context is home to various art studios, a depleted industrial core, and an arising houseless population; 12% of which are Veterans. With over 50% of the structures vacant, the 2040 code intends to redevelop the neighborhood through a drastic change in scale. The architecture intends to mediate this change in scale at both the macro and micro levels, in which the overall form and articulation of architectural elements create ties to the sites industrialized, technical past.
Mass timber design frame works at a macro scale, in which the structural skeleton represents the bones of what the 2040 zoning code’s maximum FAR intends to produce. At the micro level, the prefabricated CLT kit of parts allows for multiple dwelling units to form clusters, breaking down the skeleton to an orchestration of smaller forms that push and pull from a central communal void, creating an exterior fenestration that modulates the overall form; which is best interpreted from the street or periphery.
The massing strategy is created through the implementation of the grid, in which the main architectural tool is used holistically. From the fenestration of the building to the smallest details of floor material modules, there is a direct response to this grid. The intent behind this regimented design will question how three different groups of people can inhabit one structural framework. The design in this case acts as a tool to promote diversity of uses. The scaling of this grid is the most crucial defining element for how space is allocated and programmed. The wrong scaling of the grid speaks to a greater
problem within Los Angeles. In almost every project, there is an implementation of a grid, however, there is still a neglect of the human scale. Grids are divisible and infinitely expandable. When scaled correctly, the grid and structural framework can be a repetitive model of construction and design in this portion of DTLA. The project works at both a macro, micro, and micro micro level, all in hopes to achieve a level of functionality that speaks to the individual as well as the collective needs.
The overall organization of massing can take many forms because of the unit module and how clusters are configured. In order to provide diversity of space for a variety of users there needs to be a variety of unit types. The studio unit, which is 15x30, is the basis for the module. The one bedroom unit is a studio unit with an additional 15x15 attached. The two bedroom condo unit is essentially a one bedroom unit stacked, in which the living space is double height. The objective of the module is to create optimal living opportunities for
various family sizes, in which all units could have the potential to change. Such configurations could be a studio to 1 bed, or a 2 bed condo becoming a 3 bed townhome.
There is a direct correlation of the module with the primary structural system. Mass timber allows for increased spans, so the majority of the secondary programs requires larger spaces. The central atrium is the main connection of all programs and is successful due to the structural system.
The variation of thick and thin walls creates a dynamic facade that pushes and pulls from the boundary, creating unique shadows into the interior spaces. This works from both a visual, design standpoint as well as a technical, sustainable one. The panels on the northern facade are pushed out in order to bring the glazing closest to the boundary, where are the panels of glazing are inset on the southern facade. The overall orchestration of mass, of unit orientation, as well as placement of facade type speaks to the functionality of space as
Well as the formal appearance of the building from the street. The single loaded corridors allow for cross ventilation as well as optimal connections to the interior atrium/courtyard and the views of DTLA. The module works on all facades, including the roof. There is a series of cisterns, as well as rain capturing systems which provide water for the irrigation systems. Series of solar panels are placed within the modules, creating a kit of parts that promote renewable energy sources.
