Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects [LOHA]

Responding to an urgent need in Los Angeles for housing catered to formerly homeless veterans, chronically homeless, and low-income households, LOHA is collaborating with Clifford Beers Housing to transform a vacant, unimproved lot in South LA into a 100% affordable multi-unit housing community for 26 individuals and families. LOHA's design for MLK Supportive Housing aims to create an environment that encourages health and community, acknowledging that successful social spaces come through a variety of planned and organic strategies. LOHA is adapting its previous experience designing multi-family homes to meet the unique demands of serving this population within the limited budget of a non-profit organization. LOHA implements several design moves that open the building towards the street and foster a sense of community within the neighborhood. An on-site parking requirement creates an opportunity for an elevated community garden and social hub for residents and neighbors. LOHA's design will further integrate the building into the community by establishing a street presence through a storefront space and a widened staircase that connects the street to the community spaces one level up. This stoop is a gathering space and a public gesture, encouraging the types of resident and neighborhood interaction often missing in supporting housing. All the units for MLK Supportive Housing are accessed through outdoor walkways. While the unit layouts are efficiently identical on each floor, the walkways vary in width for a more dynamic, staggered elevation and to create informal gathering spaces and opportunities for residents to socialize. LOHA's design acknowledges the successful track record these housing complexes have had with bringing supportive services in-house. MLK Supportive Housing will feature supportive service offices and community spaces, including a rooftop patio, outdoor green space, laundry and shared kitchen facilities, a community garden, and various other amenities. This project is seeking LEED Platinum Certification.