PROJECT
01
In this semester long project composed of five consecutive phases, we were tasked with designing a home for the Center of Architecture & Urbanism Los Angeles (CALA) in the heart of downtown LA.
In phase one, we began to generate ideas based on our visit to the site, the surrounding context, and a narrative.
In one of the first study models, I made a cut in the ground that was meant to embody the act of breaking ground when a new building is erected. As one of the last green sites in downtown L.A., I argued that architecture leaves a cut in the ground usually masked by the building itself.
In the cut I created, I distributed the program in a way that answered to the site, considering Omni Plaza on Bunker Hill and Grand Central Market across the street. In the next phase, I took the cut in the ground as my driving design concept and continued to develop the museum and program.
I further developed my narrative about the cut in the ground by creating fracture lines that then dictated where the programmed buildings would be situated. I then titled the cut in the ground: The Wedge. The project began to take on another goal, which was to create an iconic public spot for tourists and Angelinos to visit.
In my first study model, I studied the extrusions of the fractured shapes to create the buildings, aiming to have a variety of heights and exciting space conditions. I also considered the use of green roofs to keep the site green and have the buildings disappear when looking down from the skyscrapers on Bunker Hill.
The Wedge in the Site.
In my second model, I tailored the fracture lines to create a central courtyard for the buildings around it, creating both public and private spaces. I also began to develop the roofs and considered solar panels. I also introduced the gondola off to the side of The Wedge.
We began to look more in depth at structure and further develop the spaces being created. I chose the diagrid as my structure to echo the fractured lines of the overlaid graphic and the orthogonal edges of the wedge. I also explored the embedding of the buildings in the ground to create double height spaces.
Developed Site Model.
Model close-up
Along the edge of The Wedge, I aligned the gallery spaces to as to allow a view. People outside would eventually be able to see inside as people move up and down through the connected spaces.
Model close-up
Model close-up
Model close-up
During phase three, we were simultaneously looking at different types of skins.
At the time, I was pushing the fractured lines on the facade as well.
Although the skin changed graphically, its design was greatly influenced by the study models.
In phase four, we were tasked to make a 1'=1/8" scale section model. During the model building process, we were still designing, adding and removing things from the earlier phases. The model was completed in four weeks and is made of many materials including Homasote Sound Board, Acrylic, Museum Board, 3D Prints, and of course, glue.
Top view of model.
Close-up
Movement through the site is comprised of thousands of steps, meant to promote the healthy lifestyle of Los Angeles. Never fear, inside there are elevators that move people through the buildings. Movement through the buildings is meant to suggest a feeling of elevation and the reaching of a goal.
The Wedge Airlift is an attraction that also serves to move people up the steep incline of Angel's Knoll. The gondola replaces the historic Angel's Flight tram that was at the time shut down for safety issues.
The Wedge Airlift is an attraction that also serves to move people up the steep incline of Angel's Knoll. The gondola replaces the historic Angel's Flight tram that was at the time shut down for safety issues.
One thing that evidently changed from phase three, was the diagrid, which became regular in dimensions.
The Wedge also began to hold program for the public.
Another change were the roofs which bend and fold according to the main turning points of the fractured lines.
The Wedge also holds a variety of attractions like a rock climbing wall, an outdoor theater, a volleyball court, and three bocci ball courts. There is also a large green space that can be used for dance or yoga classes.
The Wedge also holds a number of gardens with different fruit trees that visitors are free to pick.
Inside the Wedge
Rock climbing
The airlift over the gardens
Volleyball
The inside is shaded with acrylic panels, which absorb the Los Angeles sun UV rays. A double pane glass system provides insulation.
Inside a gallery space.
A the top of the museum.
We produced five final drawings to assist in our final presentation. A site plan showed the surrounding context. An axonometric showed the different layers of the buildings. Two detailed sections showed movement and program. Finally, a technical drawing detailing the structure and facade.
Structure
Structure Section Detail
Structure Components
Facade Components
THE FINAL NARRATIVE:
"The Wedge ties together the bustling activities of Bunker Hill in the North and the buzzing commotion of Grand Central Market in the South. As a public space, it invites its visitors to explore and discover what it has to offer along with their fellow Angelinos. With CALA as its main attraction, The Wedge becomes another iconic location in Los Angeles.
The Wedge holds a great number of exciting spaces and attractions for the public to use and enjoy:
TW Rock Climbing Wall,
TW Rock Climbing Wall,
Pick-Your-Own-Fruit-Gardens,
Boccie Ball & Volley Ball @ The Wedge,
The Wedge Airlift,
Tour LA Bike Rentals,
Zumba & Dance Classes @ The Wedge,
The Wedge Outdoor Theater,
Seasonal and Special Events.
The Wedge also promotes the use of public transportation with its airlift and easy access to the metro.
Finally, it encourages exercise with its vast number of steps, paths, and bikes to rent.
Visitors are sure to reach their step-counting goal!
Finally, it encourages exercise with its vast number of steps, paths, and bikes to rent.
Visitors are sure to reach their step-counting goal!
Enjoy your day at The Wedge here in sunny Los Angeles!"