The Compton Community Center provides crucial case management services to residents of adjacent interim housing project as well as the wider community.
Location: Compton, California
Client: HOPICS
Project Team: Nerin Kadribegovic, FAIA IIDA; Brian O’Laughlin, AIA, Ashle Fauvre, AIA; Alicia Amos
Architect: Kadre Architects
Structural Engineer: Nous Engineering
MEP Engineer: CEG
Civil Engineer: Barbara Hall & Associates, PE
Landscape: Kadre Architects
Kadre Architects unveils its latest social hub, a community center located in Compton, CA that will provide supportive services to residents of the transitional housing community next door. The project revitalizes a once unremarkable building, now boasting vaulted ceilings, an abundance of natural light, and a newly designed façade to create an inviting atmosphere both inside and out. The expansive windows transform the existing storefronts, connecting the church and residential community together to create a powerful symbol of community engagement at the street level.
The original 1000 sq. ft. space was made up of two conventional storefronts that Kadribegovic quickly investigated for hidden potential. Upon climbing into the ceiling, he uncovered not one but two separate roofs hiding an additional 10ft of height. Out of this concealed space, the team was able to create soaring, double-height vaulted ceilings punctuated with skylights, fully transforming the interior with an abundance of natural light and spatial complexity. The dramatic use of natural light which bathes the space in an everchanging ethereal glow has an intentionally calming effect on visitors who seek help at the facility.
At the rear of the building the team transformed the building’s former parking lot into a play yard and garden for visitors to enjoy whilst waiting to meet with their case managers. They selectively cut out pieces of the existing asphalt and intercut with artificial turf to create moments of green respite, softening the space to create the atmosphere of a lush, courtyard garden.
The team saw an opportunity to unite the entire block through the street facing façade. They designed a new (north facing) facade which emanates an ethereal glow through a carefully colored and layered lattice that picks up southern light. They riffed off the gable roof shape of the neighboring church, and integrated the color of the housing project into the lattice work. The result demonstrates the transformative power of a single storefront by creating a distinct community and, in turn, serves as a catalyst for positive change for the entire block.