Building LA: 10 Housing Projects Redefining Urban Living

Housing is a global urban and architectural issue. Facing shortages and demands for affordability, designers have begun exploring new housing typologies in earnest.

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Housing is a global urban and architectural issue. Facing shortages and demands for affordability, designers have begun exploring new housing typologies in earnest. Whether examining the potential of low-rise developments, building more cost-effectively or simply rethinking construction methods, novel approaches can be found the world-over. These contemporary projects tackle ideas of public space and urban life through multiple scales. Utilizing materials and spatial organization, modern housing projects are rethinking connections between private life and surrounding cityscapes.

As the second largest city in the United States, Los Angeles is no stranger to housing issues. As urbanist Henry Graber noted, when accounting for average income, Los Angeles is the hardest major metro to buy a home. This is largely due to the region’s limited housing supply. Stemming from problems with land use regulations, downzoning and rent control laws, LA’s housing problems require localized solutions. Rounding up multi-unit housing projects across LA, the following collection shows us innovative approaches that redefine urban living in the City of Angels.

One Santa Feby Michael Maltzan Architecture, Los Angeles, Calif., United States

Michael Maltzan’s One Santa Fe is a mixed-use development that explores LA’s multiplicity at an urban scale. Forming connections to surrounding arteries through the Arts District while providing a range of open spaces for living, the design features “idiosyncratic formal and structural nodes” to create unique layouts.

Luma / Elleven by Ankrom Moisan Architects, Los Angeles, Calif., United States

Created as two large multi-family projects in downtown Los Angeles, Luma and Elleven became the first and second LEED Gold condominiums in California. With careful attention to the public realm, over 10,000 square feet of retail was placed at ground level to activate the street edge.

Willoughby 7917by Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects [LOHA], West Hollywood, Calif., United States

Willoughby 7917 was built as an eight-unit multi-family housing project in West Hollywood. Exploring strategies for spatial integration on an infill lot, the design examines demising walls behind a stainless steel mesh skin in a moiré pattern.

Belmar Affordable Apartments by Koning Eizenberg Architecture, Santa Monica, Calif., United States

Designed to integrate affordable housing into development, the Belmar project includes 160 units in a new mixed income neighborhood in Santa Monica. Units are organized in a series of interconnected buildings through an efficient plan with a reduced footprint and more usable outdoor space.

Rockwellby SUBU Design Architecture Incorporated, Los Angeles, Calif., United States

The Rockwell is located where Sunset Boulevard meets the Pacific Ocean. Each unit has a private outdoor space that overlooks the ocean, while soaring ceilings and an open plan help balance an “industrial chic and California Zen.”

Formosa1140by Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects [LOHA], 1140, North Formosa Avenue, West Hollywood, Calif., United States

LOHA’s Formosa is an 11-unit housing project that emphasizes shared open space. An exterior park and common spaces occupy a third of the site, while external circulation is used as a buffer between public and private realms.

8600 Wilshire by MAD, Los Angeles, Calif., United States

MAD’s concept for 8600 Wilshire aims to coalesce nature and community into a living environment. As a “white hill” that includes 18 residential units atop commercial space, the design explores a new model for West Coast vernacular in Los Angeles.

La Brea Housingby Tighe Architecture, West Hollywood, Calif., United States

The LaBrea project was built for formerly homeless LGBT youth, as well as people living with HIV Aids and disabilities. Creating outdoor space by maximizing density, the design’s 32 apartments are arranged around a shared exterior courtyard.

28th Street Apartments by Koning Eizenberg Architecture, Los Angeles, Calif., United States

As both an addition and restoration, 28th Street Apartments builds upon the historic character of a YMCA built in 1926. Combining supportive housing units and community space, the project uses a lightweight perforated metal screen that feathers to reveal views of the city.

Star Apartments by Michael Maltzan Architecture, Los Angeles, Calif., United States

Maltzan’s Star Apartments was designed as a new model for urbanism and increased density. The mixed-used complex is built with apartments and community spaces that are organized around three principal spatial zones stacked one upon the other. The design was made with a new construction method that utilizes prefabricated modules lifted into place.

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Author: Eric Baldwin

Based in New York City, Eric was trained in both architecture and communications. As Director of Communications at Sasaki, he has a background spanning media, academia, and practice. He's deeply committed to trying as many restaurants as possible in NYC.