BEN SOLL
The selected block is located on Western and 5th Avenue in Koreatown, Los Angeles. It is the most densely populated area in Los Angeles and contains the least green space in the city, with only two parks, both of which are considerably smaller than the parks in the surrounding neighborhoods. The grid reflects the order and organization necessary when dealing with scarcity of space. Every block is organized orthagonally with a similar amount of allocated space, delineating an organizational pattern that is conducive to creating an efficient densely packed urban sprawl.
The aerial view presents a depiction of what makes the selected building, Koreatown’s California Market, a unique response to the extreme densification faced by highly populated urban environments. The market carves a 2-story pavillion into its center, which acts as an elevated urban space that aims to bring an outdoor experience containing greenery and open space to a neighborhood that has little means for creating outdoor greenspace. The building is not by any means doing this in a flashy way, but instead its open space is created as a utilitarian response to the issues faced by the people of the area.
The axonometric view of the California Marketplace with call-outs aims to present a better understanding of the characteristics that define the structures context within Koreatown. The neighborhood is primarily populated with overworked lower to middle class families dealing with intense traffic and long commutes to work. Given these circumstances, time is an increasingly valuable commodity, which is paired with the importance of families being able to experience spaces that give them a comfortable escape from the green-less urban environment. As shown, The California Marketplace presents a myriad of different businesses satisfying multiple shopping needs in one place, while also creating open outdoor space with greenery. The market acts as a step in the right direction to solving many of the issues Koreatown is facing. In the axonometric diagram, hatched lines at a 45 degree angle only exist in a few spots, representing how limited open space in the neighborhood is. Small curved hatches represent grass which exists in only two spots, the pavilion and an open plot on the western side of the diagram - the open plot is currently being developed into a concrete building. The dotted hatch represents roads with high traffic, and the curved stippled represents walkable space.
The ANT map studies the interface between gentrification and densification and how these factors influence the living situation of the residents in Koreatown. The ANT map presents an environment in which the aims of developers overshadow the needs of citizens. With Koreatown being poorer than the average California neighborhood, there is a lack of support and unity behind efforts to preserve the neighborhoods space in a way that is conducive to creating parks and spaces of public gathering. Because Koreatown contains many families, research is cited that shows the detrimental effect that urban sprawl can have on the psyche of people. The ANT map explores policy and development based solutions that aim to take steps to better the situation, while taking into account the practical steps by which the neighbood can do so. By creating pockets of greenspace and gathering space, The California Marketplace exemplifies the decisions that are integral to bettering this environment for its residents.
The GIF aims to extend what the California Marketplace is doing at the pavillion level by raising the question that, if a utilitarian urban oasis can be created at a vertical level, why can’t this idea be extended to the sidewalk? The sidewalk outside the california marketplace is lined with parking spots containing 10-minute limits, which are rarely used because the marketplace itself is connected to a large parking ramp. While the pavillion moves in the right direction, its space is limited, and usually full. The GIF depicts a space that presents residents with an efficent way to get all of their shopping done, while also providing ample space to spend time away from the densely concrete areas they inhabit.