On a donated property in Elysian Valley (“Frogtown”) the project’s design is generated from the client’s focus on three main goals: to be flexible with program, to provide a secure site, and provide for future expansion into the community. The result of our design investigation is a customizable modular system placed onto continuous permanent “rails,” providing for an expandable recreation center. The modules can stack, move, and change program easily. The incline of the adjacent river bank is envisioned as an outdoor theater, fully immersible during flood periods. The Army Corps is scheduled to spend $1 billion on upgrades to the Los Angeles River for new recreation options and restoring the natural ecosystem.
Our client, River LA (formerly the Los Angeles River Revitalization Corporation) is a nonprofit whose mission is to ensure the 51-mile Los Angeles River integrates design and infrastructure to bring people, water and nature together. We champion river-oriented policy and sustainable public spaces, while creating innovative models for community benefit and participation.
LocationFrogtown, Los Angeles, CaliforniaProgramRecreation, Cafe, Community SpacePhasesConcept DesignClientRiver LA