Exploded Axonometric View

Villa Verde focuses on the balance and connection between nature and the built environment through innovative design. The project site serves as a gateway to the Cornfield Arroyo Seco Specific Plan (CASP) area due to the close proximity to the Chinatown Metro Station which links the project to the rest of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area.

Villa Verde introduces the concept of connectivity; the project is designed to provide spaces for human connections between residents and visitors, and the building uses provides a link between the existing neighborhood and future planned development for CASP. The Villa Verde’s idea of connectivity expands even further as this project will spark development in the area, starting from the Metro Station and expanding through CASP and leading up to the Los Angeles River where new and upcoming development is proposed to complement the Los Angeles River Revitalization Plan. The Villa Verde is proposed as the first phase of revitalizing the Cornfield Arroyo Specific Plan area and is one piece to a bigger larger picture of the possibilities this area provides through future development.

The Villa Verde is a leading model for future development to be self-sustaining within and around the CASP area. The proposed mix of uses between residential and commercial within the project site are designed to provide enough energy to support the occupants and visitors who utilize the site. Besides the obvious benefits of a self-sustaining site, Villa Verde is also designed to educate the public of the purpose and necessity of the sustainability system that is embedded in the public setting. The project site is also designed to raise awareness for community appreciation for the arts, community services and even close network with Homeboy International.

VILLA VERDE

3rd Level

2nd Level

1st Level

Treated Water Return

Rainwater & Greywater Collection

8 Horsepower Pump

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2

• The design of the project celebrates both the urban fabric of Los Angeles and the natural beauty of the nearby State Historic Park by combining an organized, rectilinear grid with organic, free-flowing forms.

• EnergyStar rated appliances will increase overall energy efficiency.• Access to natural daylighting and passive ventilation will greatly reduce the energy used for artificial lighting, heating, and cooling.• High efficiency solar panels on the roof generate a net-positive amount of energy.

• The project with provide both housing and job opportunities to a historically low-income area of the city.

• The orientation and shape of the buildings maximizes the amount of natural daylighting and ventilation for each residential unit.• Living green walls on the street front help provide fresh air and engage both residents and visitors with the natural elements of the site.• On-site plants attract birds and insects that are essential to ecological processes.

• Structural steel is readily available within a 1/2 mile proximity of the project site.• Reclaimed Wood Materials from 3 miles from the site is available for structural and architectural lumber.• Unused construction materials can be easily and properly recycled at the LA Recycling center, located just south of the project area.• Construction waste, such as concrete pieces, are used for permeable paving on site.

• The site is currently a greyfield - a paved lot, occasionally used as special event parking.• Approximately 25% of the site area is dedicated to urban agriculture.• The Chinatown Metro Station is located directly across the street to promote use of public transportation.

• WaterSense shower heads, faucets, and toilets will increase efficiency of water use and reduce the overall amount of water consumed.• Rainwater is collected at roof areas to be used for laundry, toilet flushing, and irrigation.• Greywater is also collected from laundry, showers, and bathroom sinks and treated through the Living Machine system to be used for irrigation and toilet flushing.• California native plants have low water needs and reduce the amount of water used for irrigation.

Team Members:Sinhui Chang \ Architectural EngineeringChris Maulino \ Architectural EngineeringBinh Nguyen \ ArchitectureKyle Bell \ City & Regional PlanningSamantha Plete \ Landscape Architecture

Faculty Advisor:Umut Toker, Ph.D \ City & Regional Planning and Architecture

Team Cal Poly SLO

Design Innovation Category 1Neighborhood TypologyLiving Transect L4

Urban Agriculture Green Roof Area

Central Courtyard and Living Machine Constructed Wetlands

North End of site from Spring Street

MATERIALS

SITE

WATER

ENERGY

ResidencesGeneral RetailRestaurantCultural/Community CenterSustainability Systems CenterIndustrial MuseumUnderground Parking

Pedestrian Circulation

To LA Historic Park

From Chinatown Metro Station

To LA River

CROSS VENTILATION WITH L < 5H

AFFORDABLE CANTILEVER STRUCTURES WITH LOCALLY MANUFACTURED STRUCTURAL STEEL

PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR ARRAYS

UNDERFLOOR AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

SOLAR POWER LINE

COLLECTION LINE FOR GREYWATER

FILTERED GREYWATER REPUMPED TO TOILETS AND IRRIGATION

OPERABLE LOUVERS IN CORRIDOR

ADDED SHADING TO REDUCE HEAT GAIN

1

2

3

4

5

6

WIND FROM SOUTH-WEST

SUMMER

WINTER

35

421

4

6

ADD UNDERGROUND WATER CISTERN FOR EMERGENCY FIRE PREVENTION

HEALTH

BEAUTY

EQUITY

Street TreeWestern Redbud

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l / yea

rkW

h / y

ea

rkW

h / y

ea

rg

al / yea

r

[ laundry + toilets + irrigation ]

[ residential + retail/restaurant ]

[ rainwater + greywater ]

[ photovoltaic ]

co

nsu

med

co

nsu

med

co

llecte

dco

llecte

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Net Positive Water Use

Net Positive Energy Use Shade TreeBigleaf Maple

GrassPurple Needlegrass

ShrubLavender

PerennialPurple Coneflower

2,500,000

570,000

3,200,000

660,000

28%

WATER USE

ENERGY USE

16%

Water Flow Diagram