a technical training center for the applied arts that highlights pedestrian street life

Boyle Heights, East L.A.

This project extends the possibilities of pedestrian life and activity through the exterior of the building, the interior, and the space in between. By expanding the presence of the preexisting plaza into a pedestrian street, and integrating it with an atrium-like interior street leading into the building, nestled between two sections, the program also weaves together as lines are blurred between different conditions. Every workshop space is interwoven into the building to provide unique interactions within these spaces that are transactional in nature and give life to the streets.

The building offers space for the community to learn about, participate in, and actively contribute to its rich cultural and artistic history, even if they do not consider themselves artists or creators, but enjoy the process of learning and feeling inspired by both the space and the people who occupy it. Through the extension of the sidewalk, the public realm is re-imagined, inviting pedestrians to weave themselves around, into, and within the building while participating in the experience of creation.

The envelope of the building evokes and celebrates the connection to the prominent Chicano textile industry with transparency around the facade, lifting itself up to welcome the community. The facade then makes itself present within the building itself, offering a different set of conditions of light and shadow throughout.