Vertical Courtyard Housing Los Angeles Neil King Professor Bowne
Contention The courtyard typology has been a staple in Los Angeles urban housing for decades. So far courtyard typologies have been spread throughout the city in conjunction with the urban sprawl. Now that Los Angeles has reached its horizontal sprawl limit, it is time for the courtyard typologies to form a vertical element within the city.
Present Condition
Future Condition
+ Separate Courtyard Typologies Spread Throughout LA
Integrated Vertical Courtyard Housing
CURRENT STATE
Traffic
Smog
Gangs
Has Led to
Spread Detached Homes
Typology The Single-Bar Parti The space between buildings and neighboors creates the courtyard condition.
The Double-Bar Parti The space between the detached buildings creates the courtyard. This is a rare condition.
The L Parti Typically open to the street and onto sidewalk. Often times the courtyard space is used for parking.
The U Parti Most common typology; open end of courtyard typically faces steet. Often apartment entrances are from courtyard.
The Completed Courtyard Parti Typically 2 stories around courtyard which has central object/ focus. Most private type of courtyard.
BUT WHY COURTYARD HOUSING?
Courtyard housing offers the amenities of a single family home within a community living environment.
+ Single Family House
= Apartments
Courtyard Housing
Detached House Amenities
Apartment Amenities
Fresh Air Private Property Driveway & Parking Garden Often Multiple Floors
Community Living Often Nice Views Lots of Light Low Maintenance Often close to downtown
+
= Courtyard Housing The courtyard typology has become prevalent in Los Angeles because of its hybrid condition. Angelenos are known to want their own private house rather than living in a apartment. Residents are also known for their love of the car and many apartment options close to the city center do not have easy access to parking lots. The courtyard housing condition offers most of the private and exterior amenities of a single family home. It also offers the characteristics of an apartment such as a community living environment and light maintenance.
SITE
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MacArthur Park
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MacArthur Park Programs
Site
Metro
Pond
Playground
Soccer Field
Community Center
Theater Space
Westlake District
The site is located within the Westlake neighborhood. Westlake is a district within the city of Los Angeles. It is located just west of Downtown LA and covers an area of two and a half square miles. The neighborhood’s main attraction is MacArthur Park and the site sits at the southern corner. Wilshire Boulevard is the main street that runs through the sector and has a variety of businesses located along its path. Westlake is one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Here are some statistics about the Westlake community: Population: 117,756 persons Population Density: 38,212 persons/square mile Demographics: 73.4% Latino, 16.5% Asian, 4.5% White, 3.9% Black, and 1.7% Other Immigration: 67% of population is foreign born Education: 30% of population has less than a high school education Median Income: $26,757
Streets
Metro
101
Metro Stop Purple Line Red Line
Highway
Site
Major Street Minor Street Site
110 10
Schools
Crimes
4/28/12 - 5/4/12
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Site
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Charter Schools E Elementary M Middle H High
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Public Schools E Elementary M Middle H High
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Site R
Property Crime V Vehicle Theft B Burglary G Grand Theft Auto T Theft
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V T
T T
Private Schools E Elementary M Middle H High
B
R R
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T R
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Violent Crime A Assault R Robbery
No
rth
South Alvarado St
24,700 sqft 130 ft
South Lake St
West 7th St 190 ft
DESIGN
Site
Form
Divide
Young People
Families
Seniors
Create
Seniors
Families
Young People
Stretch
Shift
Insert
Raise
Level 0
1’16” = 1’-0”
A
A
Level 1 1’16” = 1’-0”
A
A
Level 2 1’16” = 1’-0”
A
A
Level 3-6 1’16” = 1’-0”
A
A
Level 7 1’16” = 1’-0”
A
A
Level 8 1’16” = 1’-0”
A
A
Level 9-13 1’16” = 1’-0”
A
A
Level 14 1’16” = 1’-0”
A
A
Level 15
1’16” = 1’-0”
A
A
Level 16-18 1’16” = 1’-0”
A
A
Level 19-20 1’16” = 1’-0”
East Elevation 1’16” = 1’-0”
North Elevation 1’16” = 1’-0”
Transverse Section 1’16” = 1’-0”
Section Perspective
Looking Northwest
Section Perspective
Looking Northwest