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Life Between Buildings
by
Rayan Tarabah
Shelter
is far beyond just the simple definition of protection and shielding from
physical harm, dangers of the outside world, or unpleasant experiences. The
social construct aspect of shelter is just as powerful if not more when it
comes to a community. Homelessness is an issue and we see a great number of
veterans that return from serving, ending up on the streets with little to no
shelter, and having difficulties finding jobs to maintain a healthy
lifestyle.
Life Between Buildings is a proposal that aims to create a community and shelter for the elderly, disabled, and homeless veterans. The space provides access to programs and rehabilitation facilities such as assisted living and means to aid the less fortunate. The architecture is responsible for creating a semi-private society within its walls. The use of the loop design, which encloses a large courtyard with controlled points of entry allows movement between public and semi-private spaces. There are multiple levels of social gathering areas within the large communal space, and there moments in the building that include private spaces catering for the members of that community who prefer to isolate in the comfort of their own personal space.
Situated in the heart of a Veterans Affairs part of town in West Los Angeles, the project facilitates commuting and accessibility to all nearby VA Hospital, administration buildings, and domiciliary. Without having to completely seclude other demographics, the project integrates programs that aid the members of the community and utilize more welcoming and public parts of the space where the life between buildings takes place.