LA CHAP Logo & Goals
"Life Outside"
"Corridor"
"Porch"
Shade structures that irrigate moisture to young trees as they grow.
Landscaping, breezeblock passive cooling systems, and seating along the route.
An outdoor kitchen space giving the community an opportunity to gather outside.
BRIEF
Create a shade solution for a target area in a marginalized neighborhood, following the Los Angeles CHAP goals for improving sun exposure conditions.
The Site
Watts History and Culture
Watts History Collage
Watts Demographic Notes
1. CORRIDOR
Why plant trees in Watts?
Trees can lower urban albedo (a measurement of heat reflected by materials in the environment) by up to 30% while providing additional benefits to inhabitants.
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Mature canopies provide shade
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Foliage helps to scrub CO2 emissions
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Provides habitats for local fauna
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Greenery positively impacts human mental health
What to plant?
Native california plants are most suited to the Watts environment.
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Native plant species consume less water
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Are not invasive to other native species
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Help create a visual identity to California
Trees as an investment
Young trees take several years to establish before they create significant shade. A shade structure is necessary at first to provide relief for pedestrians. The structure channels water to the young trees, helping them root. The benefits of the trees increase at 1, 5. and 10 years, eventually creating a "corridor" of shade over the street.
Year 2
Year 3
Year 1
2. PORCH
How do we make the area cool?
Literally and figuratively. The design of the pathway between the Historic Watts Train Station and Watts Towers Arts Center includes many considerations:
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Passive cooling using moisture
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Creating structures with design language and materials that reflect familiarity to the community
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"Porch" supports the efforts established by "Corridor" and expands on them
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Supports the experience of the pedestrian between the Historic Train Station and Watts Towers
Passive cooling using air, bricks, and water evaporation
Inspired by CLAY's design, breezeblock seating areas promote rest and interaction, and give landscaping opportunities along the pathway.
3. LIFE OUTSIDE
