CALA
CENTER FOR ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN DESIGN LOS ANGELES
Each student was tasked with developing a design for the future Center for Architecture and Urban Design Los Angeles (CALA). There are actual plans to create such a space that will be shared with the American Institute of Architects - Los Angeles Chapter (AIA|LA) and the A+D Museum. CALA is envisioned as a collaboration space and design commons for creative professionals, civic leaders, and the public to address issues of the built environment. It will contain programmatic elements such as a gallery, fabrication spaces, office spaces for organizations, classrooms, a library, and a cafe. These spaces will support educational programs, exhibits, and special events. Each student was assigned one of three existing sites in Downtown Los Angeles. This studio is well-known in USC’s architecture program for the large 1/4”=1’-0” section model required of each student.
My design features a double-layered atrium that is contained within an orthogonal box. Like all atria, it reduces the stratification that would normally be created by floor slabs. Moreover, it is an all-purpose atrium; the parts of it that reach and hit the facade of the building reveal new properties. The atrium hits the facade at the bottom, opening it up to the sidewalk, allowing even an unsuspecting passerby’s interest to be drawn upwards into the building. Even though the floors at the top of the building are a considerable distance away from the sidewalk, they are visible from it because of the atrium, and thus the atrium helps to assert the notion that even the programmatic elements at the top are public spaces. At the top of the atrium, where it hits the facade and roof, it creates an opening for light.
floor plans
PROJECT
Center for Architecture and Urban Design Los Angeles (CALA)
LOCATION
Los Angeles, CA
SCHOOL
USC School of Architecture
CLASS
Architectural Design III (Arch 302b)
SEMESTER
Spring 2015
INSTRUCTOR
Selwyn Ting
FEATURED
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