Pico Village

This project provides critical case management and housing services for 32 individuals experiencing homelessness on the west side of the City of LA. Pico Village is a departure from City of LA’s use of Pallet Shelters.  The new prototype housing units are made by Life Ark, a company that was founded to provide housing to combat the effects of climate change and rising water levels of communities living among river’s edges. If deployed properly, the units will float with rising waters.

At Pico Village, each housing unit contains its own bathroom, which is another departure from previously provided communal facilities. In addition to critical case management services, the residents will be provided three meals per day and access to mental health services.

Our design solves a variety of site constraints including significant accessibility challenges and a city alley that runs through the project. The palette was limited to natural earthy tones due to the immediately adjacent residential neighborhood.

Pico Village features ample decks to be used for small and large gatherings and contributes yet another solution to the City’s housing crisis.