[20-01] The Front Porch
Program:
Public Amenity
Public Amenity
Advisors:
Jeanine Centuri + William Hemsworth
Jeanine Centuri + William Hemsworth
Woodbury School of Architecture
Located
in Los Angeles’ Pico-Union neighborhood, the Recuperative Care Center by the
National Health Foundation serves as a haven for individuals grappling with
homelessness, offering a supportive environment for recovery following hospital
stays. A central objective of the center is to empower
guests to break free from the cycle of homelessness. This goal is pursued
through fostering a sense of community integration and acknowledging the
inherent humanity of those facing homelessness.
Drawing inspiration from cultural symbols of community, the Front Porch project establishes a link between the Center and the Pico-Union neighborhood. It’s well recognized that front porches in the U.S. extend an invitation for neighbors to connect through simple greetings, akin to saying ‘hello.’ Similarly, Latin American culture features courtyards adorned with vibrant papel picado, offering a gathering space rich with communal meaning. This project channels these cultural resonances to bridge the Center to the Pico neighborhood which has a vibrant Latin American community.
The design of the Front Porch draws from these cultural touchstones, manifesting in its architectural form. It echoes the inviting spirit of a front porch and the celebratory papel picado. In doing so, it extends a warm invitation to the community, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Simultaneously, the design encourages guests of the center to reestablish ties with the community, a crucial step toward reintegrating into society.
Drawing inspiration from cultural symbols of community, the Front Porch project establishes a link between the Center and the Pico-Union neighborhood. It’s well recognized that front porches in the U.S. extend an invitation for neighbors to connect through simple greetings, akin to saying ‘hello.’ Similarly, Latin American culture features courtyards adorned with vibrant papel picado, offering a gathering space rich with communal meaning. This project channels these cultural resonances to bridge the Center to the Pico neighborhood which has a vibrant Latin American community.
The design of the Front Porch draws from these cultural touchstones, manifesting in its architectural form. It echoes the inviting spirit of a front porch and the celebratory papel picado. In doing so, it extends a warm invitation to the community, fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Simultaneously, the design encourages guests of the center to reestablish ties with the community, a crucial step toward reintegrating into society.
