Los Angeles, California, USA
Sidney-based architect Koichi Takada and MVE + Partners together with Rios Clementi Hale Studios have unveiled their design for a new tower in downtown Los Angeles.
1111 Hill Street Tower for Australian developer Crown Group is a mixed-use, 43-storey highrise tower that features 26-stories of residential, 9-stories of hotel, and 6-stories above grade parking with a ground floor retail/lobby space.
In addition to luxe residences, the tower will be home to a 160-key hotel.
The design concept draws its inspiration from California Redwoods in materiality and concept, reflecting the developer Crown Group’s philosophy of looking ahead toward the future.
In keeping with California’s iconic redwood trees, the façade features a dramatic street canopy that will transform the lower stretch of the building into a “breathing green wall” aimed at improving air quality.
The tower introduces four organically shaped lobes that originate at each corner of the tower. The use of greenery throughout the project is unique, especially on the roof/amenity decks, upper tower levels, and along podium levels; shielding visibility of cars to the street.
A feature roof is included to distinguish the project from the typical high-rise in Downtown Los Angeles.
The podium of the tower is eye-catching, designed with a strong consideration of human-scale, pedestrian and retail activity and how people can experience it.
An undulating timber canopy references the famous Marilyn Monroe “flying skirt” moment; the reference to Hollywood resonating with LA’s celebrated street culture.
The nature-inspired building and unique streetscape character aims to reduce the dependence on cars, building on LA’s vision to promote a walkable city.
“It is our desire, through a nature-inspired approach to architecture, to transform an old warehouse district into a living breathing neighborhood in LA,” says architect Koichi Takada, principal of his eponymous firm.
“We want to humanize tall buildings, to celebrate the pedestrian activities and consider how people experience it. We want our tall building designs to be more engaging for the public, and to contribute to the community by activating and creating a connection with the neighborhood.”
The project is slated for completion in 2024.
Architects: Koichi Takada Architects
Executive Architects: MVE + Partners
Landscape Architects: Rios Clementi Hale Studios
Client: Crown Group