Connie Hua
Pasadena City College (PCC)
Professor: Edward Varias
The La Brea Public Library project aims to transform an 8,200-square-foot former fashion retail building into a vibrant public space that fosters community engagement, artistic expression, and collaboration among local businesses. The first objective is to promote inclusivity by creating an environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds. By designing a space that embraces diversity, the La Brea Public Library aims to be a gathering point for all members of the community. The second objective focuses on showcasing artistic expression through providing local artists a space to exhibit their works, host workshops, and foster creative dialogue among the residents. Lastly, the library aspires to create a welcoming space within the bustling urban environment, offering a peaceful retreat where people can gather, share ideas, and inspire one another. By integrating these objectives, the transformed building will honor its original purpose while evolving into a cultural hub that enriches the local area and enhances the community’s overall experience.
La Brea Library
The La Brea Public Library project aims to transform an 8,200-square-foot former fashion retail building into a vibrant public space that fosters community engagement, artistic expression, and collaboration among local businesses. Nestled between 1st and 2nd Streets along La Brea Avenue in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, District La Brea has a rich history as the former home of Continental Graphics Corporation, a leading printing company in the area. It is renowned for its vibrant artistic community, deeply influenced by the realms of fashion and film. The architectural enhancements made in 2011 to the buildings along this strip introduced features such as wooden truss ceilings, exposed brick, and steel beams.
The design concept for the La Brea Public Library theme centers around being playful, modern, and dynamic. Bright, prismatic colors are used to represent the fun, creative spirit of La Brea. These vibrant elements not only attract attention but also designate the different zones within the library, enhancing navigation and user experience. Geometric triangular shapes come together like a mosaic art piece, symbolizing the accumulation of knowledge and ongoing innovation. This style blends contemporary aesthetics with a hint of Spanish influence, featuring white walls, light wood texture, black metal finishes, and tile patterns.
This project is based on three core objectives. The first objective is to promote inclusivity by creating an environment that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds. By designing a space that embraces diversity, the La Brea Public Library aims to be a gathering point for all members of the community. The second objective focuses on showcasing artistic expression through providing local artists a space to exhibit their works, host workshops, and foster creative dialogue among the residents. Lastly, the library aspires to create a welcoming space within the bustling urban environment, offering a peaceful retreat where people can gather, share ideas, and inspire one another. By integrating these objectives, the transformed building will honor its original purpose while evolving into a cultural hub that enriches the local area and enhances the community’s overall experience.
The architectural layout of the library has a flexible design in order to cater to the diverse needs and activities. The first floor is designed with three components in mind, hosting the staff area, security for the young adult and children area, and making the exhibit area accessible to the public from the streets. The second floor is predominantly dedicated to adults, providing a quieter space for reflection, work and study. Plentiful seating areas are available while simultaneously providing access to technology. ≈
Finally, the third floor is conceptualized as a public viewing area, complete with a bar area that can be leased out to local franchises to serve drinks and snack.
In conclusion, the La Brea Public Library project is a vision to cultivate a thriving artistic community, promote inclusivity, and offer a welcoming gathering place for all. By thoughtfully integrating modern design with historical influences and community-focused objectives, the library promises to become a vital cultural hub that enriches the local landscape and enhances the lives of those it serves.
