Habitat 825 Designed by LOHA Architects in California, USA
April 22nd, 2009 - Posted in Architecture Design
This building was designed by LOHA Architects located in West Hollywood, California, USA. Located adjacent to Rudolf Schindler’s Kings Road House, Habitat 825 draws inspiration from Schindler in developing new forms of contemporary lifestyle through the use of light, materials, color and common open space. This project provided an opportunity to address the critical issues of density, site and the cultural and social impacts that arise from building adjacent to a historical landmark. Attempting to “kick down the bamboo wall”, Habitat 825 and its expansive use of common open space creates an urban space without borders or property lines.
Given the historic presence of the Schindler House, several measures were taken to preserve the house’s relationship to its surrounding landscape. To avoid casting shadows onto the adjacent property, the building was reduced to two stories on the north side adjacent to the Schindler House. In addition, the form in plan bends inwards away from the house to allow more breathing room and to draw attention towards the central open space.
Massing is composed of two “L” bars which create a central, common, open space. This composition also carefully weaves the buildings’ circulation into a spectrum of public space. Beginning on the new ground established on the sub-grade parking deck, a loose internal courtyard is scaled to the intersection of the two primary housing volumes, which in turn hinges toward the Schindler House. This centrally located space allows all units to have direct access from the exterior, while eliminating the need for mechanically climate controlled corridors.
In an effort to extend the street into the building, the front yard cuts into the building to promote a semi-public zone between the building and the street. Scattered benches along landscaped walkways create a small urban park at the street.
