serriform
LA APARTMENT COMPLEX
Arch 3216
LOCATION: LOS ANGELES ARTS DISTRICTS
DATE: 2018
TYPE: HOUSING / COMMERCIAL
PROBLEM:
In the arts district of downtown Los Angeles sits the renowned campus of SCI-Arch. A diamond in the rough, the campus was erected in the industrial part of downtown, which has turned into a hub of artistic expression. As SCI-Arch grows the need for affordable housing for students is on the rise. The program consisted of residential apartments, as well as commercial support for the campus and surrounding areas.
The site offers views of downtown, but views are entirely blocked by an abandoned factory across the street.
sOLUTION:
Utilizing materiality to contextualizing to the industrial Area, as well as representing SCI-Arch’s notorious architectural expression would be the starting point for the design. As the program was assembled the apartments were lifted off the ground to capture views of the downtown skyline to the west. The triangular gesture gives every apartment a correspondingly powerful view of downtown to strip away hierarchies and encourage equality.
The parametric “Fins”, or serrated façade is demanded by the sun, adapting to protect each apartment from receiving direct western sunlight while still maintaining views of downtown. The dynamic nature of form reaches out to the heart of LA, facilitating a sense of connection while still embracing the humility of SCI-Arch.
“The parametric “Fins” or serrated façade is demanded by the sun, adapting to protect each apartment from receiving direct western sunlight while still maintaining views of Downtown.”
