M291 Green Urbanism Site Proposal (Group Assignment)

The objectives of this proposal are threefold:

1. Respond to the site's existing conditions.

2. Establish an approach for applying green urbanism principles and techniques in the planning and urban design process.

3. Develop a proposal for transforming the current condition toward sustainability.

Site Description

The site comprises several blocks of light-industrial properties between the 405 Freeway, Sepulveda Boulevard, Pico Boulevard, and Olympic Boulevard. This area is strategically significant due to its proximity to the Sepulveda E-line station, making it ideal for transit-oriented development. Additionally, the closeness to UCLA via bus on Sepulveda Boulevard opens up opportunities for additional student housing. However, the City of Los Angeles aims to balance higher community-serving uses with the preservation of industrial properties to maintain economic diversity and protect higher-paying skilled jobs.

Scenario and Requirements

The City of Los Angeles has outlined a vision to transition this area to support higher community-serving uses and activities. The following considerations must be integrated into the conceptual proposal:

• Creating a community sustainability and resilience hub includes workspace and meeting facilities, a community garden, a workshop, cooking, and fabrication space.

• Providing charging and maintenance space for electric vehicles, bikes, and scooters.

• Adding one or more new buildings that achieve Net Zero Energy, Carbon Neutral, LEED Platinum, or Living Building status.

• Developing temporary or transitional housing.

• Establishing places for contemporary light-industrial, fabrication, or art-related activities.

Create a Conceptual Proposal

1. Describe your concept using a project metaphor or evocative title.

2. Develop a strategy to transform the site in ways that respond to the overall situation and challenges described above, your analysis of the site, one or more of the Hannover Principles, and the concepts and the concepts and tools discussed in class (urban ecology, green building, green infrastructure).

3. Determine if the transformation needs to be sequenced (or phased), and if so, what phase would provide the foundation for subsequent phases.

4. User text, images, sketches, Sankey diagrams, charts, and resource-based analysis to explain your proposal.

5. Establish at least two sustainability indicators to measure your proposal's benefits to your site. Describe in your presentation how your proposal will affect these indicators.