FINAL COMPETITION SUBMITAL

LINCOLN HEIGHTS INTER_CAMBIO Natural Transformative Revitalization

HISTORIC JAIL ADAPTIVE REUSE AND TRANSFORMATION

Captivity or Liberty? The Lincoln Heights Inter_Cambio is an immigration transitional center designed as an adaptive reuse of the Historic Los Angeles City Jail, also known as the Lincoln Heights Jail. Our concept is to transform the once dark dreary jail cells into voids that become liberating light shafts. This is reflected in the project title “Inter_Cambio” (Inter-Change). Having the program of an immigration transitional center made it essential to create connections to major routes of transportation such as Union Station and Interstate Freeway connections (I-5 & I-110). Other key site connections were used as well such as Elysian Park and the convergence of the Los Angeles River and Arroyo Seco. These connections carved openings in the build­ing that connect the exterior to the interior light wells. This allows a visual connec­tion from those passing by. For example, people who traverse the river bike path, those driving on the 110 interstate freeway, and passengers riding on the Metrolink or Gold Line will be able to see into the structure at certain moments, thus allow­ing this historic Lincoln Heights Jail site to remain a landmark to the community.

The program consists of three main categories which are: Convenience, Immigration Services, and Community. These categories were given to respect and maintain certain demographics for the Lincoln Heights area and prevent gentrification. A portion of the historic jail was built Art Deco in 1931, and later in 1949 the Bauhaus addition was added. The historic entrance and painted interior hall on the 5^th floor will both be preserved along with the original footprint.

NATURAL REVITALIZATION THROUGH CONSERVATION

Inter_Cambio proposes to reuse and renew the natural resources of the site. This will be accomplished by utilizing the river, rain, wind, and sun for their renewable sources of energy. For energy conservation and production we plan to incorporate several approaches that will enable us to create a self sustaining building that will revitalize and renew the river and the surrounding areas. Some techniques that will be used are: passive direct-gain solar heating, skylight atrium spaces that use a transparent film technology to redirect sunlight down to all floors to reduce lighting costs, green roofs for improved insulation to prevent winter heat loss and reduce CO2 emissions, nighttime ventilation for natural cooling in the summer, small scale hydro turbines in covert box channels for energy production, photovoltaic skin/shading devices for energy production, light wells, and sunspaces which help prevent overheating and heat loss.

As for water conservation, a rain water collection system on the roof will channel water into storage tanks on site. This water will later be used to irrigate the indigenous vegetation. The water collected will be effectively re-distributed through a micro-drip irrigation system to prevent waste. The rain-water collection system will also help prevent harmful storm water runoff from entering into the Los Angeles River. Pervious Paving will help minimize the urban water runoff as well and recharge the water table. On the furthest southwest tip of the site near the parking structure there will be a biofiltration drainage system for urban water runoff treatment. Lastly, within the structure itself a grey water re-use system, low flow showers, laboratory faucets, dual flow toilets, and waterless urinals will be used to enable a further reduction of water consumption.

COMMUNITY INTERACTION THROUGH NATURE

Throughout the site this project proposes to maximize open space by planting native vegetation and create a botanical park. The existing concrete pavement throughout the site is to be replaced by pervious pavement pathways and planter boxes with native vegetation. Between the site and the freight train rail lines, sits a bermed retaining wall and planted vegetation which will create a sound buffer from excessive noise. The vegetation consists of a variety of indigenous trees, plants, and flowers from the Southern California Region. The goal of the Botanical Park is to invite building users and the community to enjoy a calming environment that attempts to revitalize the river, restore habitat, and promote biodiversity. Inter_Cambio encourages an eco-friendly lifestyle by educating the public about the sustainable features of the building and site.