ARCHITECTURAL RESPONSES TO CALIFORNIA'S DROUGHT

Originally Published on the ECOreport

By Roy L Hales

June 23, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) - There was a new source of inspiration at the 45th Annual Los Angeles Architectural Awards. Some of the winners were architectural responses to California’s drought.

Community Impact Award Winner: City View Terrace Condo Community,Lincoln Heights

The call for submissions went out in January and 45 winners were chosen from the hundreds of entries.

“These projects exemplify the type of development that we should be striving for across the city. Many of the winners took advantage of the California Friendly Landscape Incentive Program to transform their water-wasting lawns into oases of California-native plants with smart irrigation systems,”the three judges of the Community Impact Awards said in a joint press release.

The Taylor Yard crossing is a catalyst for community gatherings, as well a bike and footbridge connecting the neighborhoods of Cypress Park and Elysian Valley.  The 17-foot-wide structure has permanent viewing decks of the Los Angeles River below. Temporary event spaces can be installed for special events. Solar panels, on top of the bridge, provide a ready source of power when it is needed.

A a decommissioned electrical substation trellis has been incorporated into the Centennial Courtyard of Burbank Water and Power EcoCampus. There are three rooftop gardens, to help reduce heat and channel stormwater, on the Administration Building.  A variety of stormwater capture technologies throughout the campus  provide the sole source of water for the landscaping.

Community Impact Winner: Brooks Watershed and Green Residence

The renovation of Brooks Watershed and Green Residence has become "a model for water, energy and material resource efficiency and experimental technologies in a time of drought." Only zero net energy, or salvaged, materials were used. 95% of the plants are native to the area. Stormwater is collected in cisterns; greywater is used. One of the sites visual features is a waterwheel that helps irrigates the landscape. Gardens create a have for wildlife and humans.

My personal favorite is at the top of this page. An 18 unit "village" sits on top of the water-efficient living green wall of native and drought-tolerant succulents and vines at 8600 Wilshire in Beverly Hills. It consists of condos, townhouses and villas clustered around a spacious central courtyard.

The architects described their creation as, "The possibility of a new model for West Coast vernacular amid the sprawling density of Los Angeles, and purposes a harmonious architectural space of human experience by placing residents in the spiritual landscape of nature."

There were a number of high rises,  like the luxurious LEED silver 23- and 29- story Vermont.  The towers are connected by an elevated social oasis. There is also an outdoor rooftop amenity, featuring an expansive garden, sun deck, and dog park.

“From an urban design and architecture strategy, the scale, massing, circulation, details, open spaces, everything was purposefully designed to reflect LA’s diverse culture and create a place that both the new residents and surrounding neighborhood could benefit from,” says Tammy McKerrow, Senior Design Principal of the architectural firm.

The grand prize went to a restoration of Hollyhock house (not shown), designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. The home's sprawling layout of terraces and a lush lawn have become with the Los Angeles of a century ago. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark and nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

“In the face of a crisis-level drought, Angelenos rise to the challenge to design more sustainable developments, conserve water and foster a sense of community. We are proud to honor this diverse group of excellent projects today, and celebrate the future of sustainable development and economic growth in Los Angeles.," said Mary Leslie, President of the Los Angeles Business Council.

Photo Credits: (Refer to the original article @ http://theecoreport.com/architectural-responses-to-californias-drought/ to help identify)

• Best Design Concept Winner, The Wiltshire in Beverly Hills
• Community Impact Award Winner: City View Terrace Condo Community,Lincoln Heights
• Design Concept Winner: Taylor Bridge Crossing
• Landscape Architecture Winner: Burbank Water and Power EcoCampus Photography: Sibylle
• Community Impact Winner: Brooks Watershed and Green Residence
• Mixed Use Winner: The Vermont
• Beyond LA Award Winner: Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, Edward Harris Pavilion, Palm Springs Photo Credit: David Glomb