The Los Angeles LGBT Center – Anita May Rosenstein Campus, designed by Leong Leong + Killefer Flammang Architects, represents a pioneering model for community-based urban development. This innovative campus integrates various social and affordable housing programs, fostering connectivity and inclusivity within the LGBTQ community.
A Unified Urban Campus
At the heart of the design is a porous, pedestrian-oriented campus featuring public plazas and courtyards that serve as focal points for diverse social services, cultural programs, and institutional activities. Situated directly across from The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, the campus serves as an integrated platform for intergenerational LGBTQ living.
Diverse Spaces and Programs
The design concept embraces a mosaic of unique spaces and programs, complementing The Village to create a welcoming environment for residents, neighbors, clients, and staff. With 12 dedicated programs housed within distinctive forms, spanning over 180,000 square feet, the campus offers a multiplicity of identities and services.
Emphasizing Neighborhood Connectivity
The campus design prioritizes connectivity with the surrounding neighborhood, featuring a scaled approach that welcomes visitors directly from the street. This approach creates an inviting interface while accommodating larger programs such as housing and administration facilities on upper floors.
Synthesizing Services
By consolidating a range of services for youth, seniors, and administration under one roof, the new campus enhances accessibility and efficiency. Inspired by the scale and gardens of historic Hollywood courtyard homes, the campus provides safe and private outdoor spaces for clients and staff, fostering a sense of community.
Thoughtful Design Details
Careful consideration is given to the placement of entrances and windows, balancing access, views, and privacy for clientele and staff. An innovative frit pattern on the curtain wall creates dynamic visual effects, animating the building for passersby. Pride Hall, a flexible event space, serves as the heart of the campus, offering a versatile venue for community programs.
Rooftop Observatory and Heritage Wall
An elevator tower provides access to the rooftop deck, offering panoramic views of the historic Hollywood sign—an urban observatory for the community to enjoy. Pride Hall’s entrance features a heritage wall depicting the history of the Center and the LGBTQ community, honoring its legacy while embracing the future.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center – Anita May Rosenstein Campus stands as a beacon of inclusivity and resilience, embodying the spirit of community and empowerment for generations to come.
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