DTLA 2040 Masterplan by ReGen

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

FILMSPIRATION

NEW URBAN NETWORK

APPENDIX

DISTRICT IDENTITIY

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

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ReGen DTLA 2040 Masterplan

[PURPOSE]

[PROJECT]

[PROCESS]

Los Angeles, the home of Hollywood, continues to attract people from all across the world, making it one of the most diverse urban cities. Angelenos are lacking in civic engagement; suburbs and inefficient zoning prevents community interaction. LA’s sprawling model creates urban issues, one of which is quite popular - traffic congestion.

Los Angeles was designed around the model of the car, which lessens walkability and increases displacement.

This displacement has encouraged zoning that creates a strong separation of the essential parts of a city.

The city of LA has expanded public transportation, but the new demands of the area are not met by these new developments. As a result, a culturally dense environment is separated in ways that inhibits the area’s identity. By rezoning and reidentifying these areas as destinations, North LA will establish steady growth and retain a unique image.

ReGen’s vision for Los Angeles is a complete and walkable environment that draws in citizens and tourists alike, designed around the concept of shared interconnected spaces.

Our vision for LA is vitally impacted by the nature of growth and interconnectedness.

In biology, organs are composed of tissues, which are made-up of several cells that work independently from one another to function as a whole. By creating “cells” within North Los Angeles, each area is unique in its purpose while contributing to the greater urban tissue.

With homelessness and displacement as major concerns in LA and other urban cities, we plan to design pedestrian-oriented districts which combine all income levels in terms of housing, work placement, and commerical needs.

After analysis and evaluation, Northern LA is divided into 6 micro-districts: Chinatown, Olvera, Lee Arts, Magic-Town, The Cloud, and Linkin Park. By dividing areas into different areas of culture and entertainment, an identity and market is created for each area.

Our purpose for the focus of Chinatown is based off of its similar geometry and zoning to the entire Los Angeles area. By limiting our scope, the masterplan will serve as a test case scenario for the greater LA area, the state of California, and other urban cities around the world.

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COMMERCIAL

INDUSTRIAL

HOUSING

PUBLIC SPACE

NEW URBAN NETWORK CIVIC

EDUCATION ANALYZED MODEL

[RE-ZONING]

Los Angeles suffers from largely separated areas due to displacement and improper zoning. By re-identifying these areas as cultural hubs for entertainment and exploration, the urban fabric will evolve into a selfsustaining organism of urban living.

The mixture of demographics represented in Los Angeles contribute to its overall diversity. Pop culture, the film industry, music industry, and its startup reputation has lured groups from all over the world to live the LA dream. As a result of this, cultures mixed producing new sounds, art, technology, and social environments.

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In its current state, Los Angeles has broken and divided these cultures and social groups, making interconnectivity nearly impossible. Since it was designed around the car, the locals suffer from a lack of connection to their daily functions. As zones split and move away from one another, people are separated from one another which supresses growth in the urban fabric of Los Angeles.

By creating smaller districts within an area surrounded by highways, functions will be met by green/public space, encouraging user interaction.

As the city expanded and infrastructure was implemented for the car, spaces from building-tobuilding became much larger. Proximity to local resources establishes the relationships that develop within a city. For Los Angeles, the most influential way to celebrate the city is to bring these relationships closer.

Creating closer spaces provides ease of accessibility for locals, higher means of urban efficiency, less environmental impact, and an emphasis on the uniquely exposed culture of Los Angeles.

THE CLOUD

MAGIC-TOWN

CHINATOWN

LEE ARTS

LINKIN PARK

OLVERA

[LACK OF COMMUNITY]

[ENCOURAGING COMMUNITY]

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FILMSPIRATION

Los Angeles is known for its massive role in the film industry. The art of film introduces a unique perspective in design. Films tell a story largely in the visual product alone, setting the scene and establishing ambiance without the use of dialogue.

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Filmmakers emphasize the importance of creating strong setting, a sense of place. We approached the design of our masterplan through the lens of film.

The vision for downtown Los Angeles expresses personality and character so evident that it gives the user no doubt of their environment.

We examined films shot in Los Angeles and concluded that the neighborhoods within the district would be firmly rooted in a particular pop culture niche and each would radiate a strong atmosphere unique to itself.

See citations for film screenshots.

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NEW URBAN NETWORK

[CHINATOWN]

Following a decade of existence without a true sense of identity and a major relocation, LA’s Chinatown is reborn. With an emphasis on exhibiting the old and new ways of Chinese culture, this neighborhood is an unapologetic juxtaposition of traditional and modern Chinese architecture. In a bold effort to showcase the cultural blend of Angelenos, Chinatown offers visitors a taste of life in China. As a case study for Los Angeles, growth is expected to occur in places where cultural environments appear.

The community hosts cultural events including outdoor shopping markets where traditional Chinese food is widely presented.

Chinatown is home to the annual Spring Festival for Chinese New Year and several year-round events for friends and family.

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Chinatown is the core of Northern Los Angeles, adjacent to Lee Arts, Magic-Town, The Cloud, Linkin Park, and Olvera.

This district has the most influential relationship with both the Lee Arts District and the Olvera District, two areas known for their emphasis on ChineseAmerican Art and ChineseAmerican History in LA. Public space acts as the nuclei of the district.

Residents and tourists are within a 10-minute walking distance to parks and plazas in order to encourage interaction, walkability, and carbon footprint reduction.

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NEW URBAN NETWORK

[OLVERA]

Welcome to Olvera, the historic district of Los Angeles.

The first written history of Los Angeles was established by 11 Mexican families who moved to the area.

The majority of changes in the area occurred with the completion of the Santa Fe Railroad line from Chicago to LA in 1885. In 1926, the establishment of Union Station brought revitalization to the area and attracted people from all over the world. Union station is now a vibrant hub of transportation which forges a new vital connection to Los Angeles.12 The basis of the historical neighborhood is influenced

by Union Station, Chinatown, Mexican-style historical streets, and several museums.

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In Olvera, the revitalized historic district is a place for storing and sharing history, while providing sustainable places to live and work.

Based on the relationships between housing, commercial, and public spaces, the area is organized in order to utilize these areas and promote interaction. The vision for Olvera is one that facilitates social engagement while connecting people to entertainment.

Preserving traditional culture and history in a specific environment creates a sense of importance and community in this district.

The name “Olvera” comes from Olvera Street, known as “the birthplace of Los Angeles,” which is a Mexican marketplace.

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NEW URBAN NETWORK

[LEE ARTS]

Welcome to Lee Arts. This dictrict is a paradise for the art community of Los Angeles.

Since LA is a cultural hub for diverse groups, many different styles of art have evolved from this area.

Immigrational artist Jake Lee, an American-born Chinese, has used western painting approaches like watercolor to express views of Chinese communities in California.4 Lee Arts also provides a wider stage for communication about the arts and hosts high-level exhibitions and events. The district inherits the artistic spirit of historical Los Angeles and becomes a new international art community hub and exhibition center.

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This district follows the analyzed model; all functions of the area are directly related to a central public space for community interaction. This has an especially influential impact on Chinese-American artists and their unique cultural community.

Los Angeles’s culture is enhanced by connectedness and fusion, meaning the Lee Arts District is committed to space for public use. In the core of the district, a large open space serves as a meeting point for friends and families alike.

Here, vendors, locals, artists, and tourists gather to celebrate the arts. The collaborative culture is kept alive by monthly events which encourage artists to experiment with one another in constant production.

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NEW URBAN NETWORK

[MAGIC-TOWN]

Welcome to Magic-Town, where sports cultures of Los Angeles come together.

LA has been the host to some of the most influential sports events in America.

The historic teams in LA have won a number of championships, making them the epitome of success.

Citizens rally around their sports teams with remarkable loyalty and zeal. Celebrities like Jack Nicholson enjoy attending sports events in the area. History has been made in Los Angeles by elite stars Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kobe Bryant. For decades, sports stars have been made in Los Angeles, and more icons will continue to show like LeBron James and Clayton Kershaw.

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Magic-Town is located directly east of Dodger Stadium and has direct access through Elysian Park. The area incorporates multiple activities for common sports fans like the Los Angeles Sports musem, training facilities, bars, restaurants, and retail shops. Hotels are more plentiful in this area in order to accommodate frequent visitors to the park. The district can be directly accessed by the subway system and incorporates the use of bike lanes to ensure more efficient means of transportation. All areas are centralized around a main public space to encourage community interaction. The district is directly accessible to Lee Arts, Chinatown, and The Cloud.

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NEW URBAN NETWORK

[THE CLOUD]

The Cloud is the technological hub of downtown LA. It is an innovative neighborhood to high-tech startups and serves as a test case for new technological advancements.

Known for being a top contender in the technological field, the State of California has three cities in the top ten most technologically advanced cities. Previously, Los Angeles ranked number eight. Thanks to city planners, The Cloud neighborhood has revolutionized the role of high-tech in the downtown area of LA. It is a haven for startup companies to take root and foster growth within in the community.

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Locals can enjoy shopping, restaurants, and nightlife with a twist; each business is required to partner with one of the startups to implement a new product or service.

This business venture aims to benefit both parties involved as well as provide a unique experience for visitors and locals alike. Students are provided the opportunity to test new educational products before any other schools.

When guests prefer a peaceful escape, they may use the “Organic Zones� which are notech zones. All areas of The Cloud are organized around the outdoor spaces including housing, commercial, education, civic, and industrial. This organizational model allows locals direct access to green space and improves walkability within the neighborhood.

Because density is a large influencer in making this community thrive, emphasis is placed on providing ample green space for locals to enjoy. Every outdoor plaza, park, and waterfront pavilion is outfitted with advanced technology that enhances the user experience where they want it.

The Cloud gets its name from the all-inclusive, internally supported community that houses and utilizes a variety of technological information.

Our goal for The Cloud is to develop a community where new ideas are born and technological advancements are celebrated and encouraged.

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NEW URBAN NETWORK

[LINKIN PARK]

Welcome to Linkin Park, where community revolves around Los Angeles’s unique music industry.

Los Angeles has one of the most diverse music industries in the world.

With recording studios like Capitol Records and A&M Records, the area has become a birthplace for fame in the music market. During the 20th century, LA was home to several African-American, Rock, and Punk Rock bands.

Today, the city is a hub for rap and live rock music.

Groups like Brownies & Lemonade and Space Yacht continue efforts to expose lesser known electronic musicians in the area.11

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The district follows the analyzed model; all functions of a city exist around public space. One of the most important aspects of the district is the opportunity to perform live music.

In the heart of the district, open space connects housing, education, civic, industrial, and commercial areas to one another respectively.

By doing so, it creates a necessary relationship between these functions without separating them too far from one another. This level of efficiency contributes to the walkability of the area.

In Linkin park, spaces are designed to engage users with their ears as well as eyes. The streets and public spaces provide an outlet for live performers to share their music and culture on a personal level. In restaurants and commercial areas, musicians can book performances for profit and contribute to nightlife experience. A large venue sits in the center of the district, encouraging people from outside Los Angeles to experience a large scale celebration of the music known by Angelenos.

The district is gifted the name “Linkin Park” in loving memory of Chester Bennington, the band’s lead singer who made their fame in Los Angeles.

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APPENDIX

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ReGen DTLA 2040 Masterplan

[ MODEL ]

[ GROWTH ]

[ FUTURE ]

With our masterplan, we are testing a new organizational model within our district. Our zoning plan is not divided by use (i.e., residential, commercial, retail, industrial, civic, etc.), but instead it is divided by pop culture interest. Each neighborhood in our district is defined by a particular pop culture interest and is entirely sustainable as a community with every zoning use necessary. By this model, we expect a more even distribution of growth across the entire downtown area and resolve the urban issue of collective growth in one area.

With an estimated growth of 800,000 people by 2040, we can expect more high rises to make an appearance.3 LA’s technology scene ranks very high in the United States so we can expect more startups that will need business space.

LA’s urban form is infantile at the moment so we have a lot of room to influence the urban fabric of the downtown area in a way that doesn’t completely destroy LA’s “sprawl,” but molds it into a more effective urban model. We can expect a ton more cars if we don’t address the issue of traffic now.

The higher the population climbs, the less room is left to keep expanding the footprint of LA in the same per capita model that LA has currently. It is inevitable for Los Angeles to eventually stop expanding left and right and begin upward expansion.

Downtown LA is surprisingly behind in technological advancements for a city whose tech scene is and has been high in the ranks. Just as cities have seen pay-to-ride bikes and scooters as innovations in pedestrian mobility, we expect to see success when implementing “old” tech in our new neighborhoods.

Once we can bring the district up to par with other urban cities, Los Angeles will be able to more effectively handle new advancements.

The city is described as the “urban laboratory for the future world—solutions to megacity problems will be invented and tested in LA.”1

STRUCTURES

INFRASTRUCTURE

OPEN SPACE

WHOLE CITY

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DISTRICT IDENTITY

[ CHINATOWN ]

In Chinatown, I never feel far from home. As a ChineseAmerican, it can be difficult for me to identify with certain areas in the US. My house is located at a 5 minute walk from the district center, a large public space created for pedestrians like myself. In this plaza, many street vendors fill the air with scents of my childhood with my family. Every time I walk to work, I am reminded of times with my grandma in China.

When my parents come to visit, they feel right at home. We go for some of our favorite traditional dishes in Chinatown Plaza and watch street performers on our way home.

Chinatown has allowed me to explore urban city life in America while feeling nostalgically at home with my heritage.

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[ OLVERA ]

The Olvera district is the perfect place for me and my family. One of the most important things to my family is our heritage. My ancestors moved to Los Angeles years ago, and worked in small shops over the years, including when Union Station was built.

We now run a historic preservation center which educates children on the importance of culture and history. For years, my family has lived on the same block, greeting our neighbors and picking up fresh produce daily.

I love being so close to the arts district because several of my siblings have artistic talents. On Saturdays, we head to the Lee Arts District for lunch in the plaza and watch my siblings draw with their friends.

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DISTRICT IDENTITY

[ LEE ARTS ]

As an artist currently living in the Lee Arts District, I am very appreciative that Los Angeles has a unique district that allows me to live a colorful life and adapt my artistic style. After studying traditional Chinese art for many years, I have the curiosity to explore an unprecendented style of Chinese art. This district has influenced me to learn about new cultures and styles due to the proximity and variety of styles.

This type of cultural collision has given me a new perspective on the understanding and adaptation of art.

Before moving to Los Angeles, I had not experienced the influence of grafitti art. The grafitti park in the district invites artists of all backgrounds to collaborate and create. When I bring my family home, they love to explore the new installations and pieces of artwork around the city.

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[ MAGIC-TOWN ]

The area of Magic-Town has proved to be a unique way of living. I love the opportunities I have to go out and stay active with friends. The area promotes physical activity with a variety of accessible gyms, walkable paths, and bike trails. The Los Angeles Sports Museum is the crown jewel of the area.

On my personal time I enjoy socializing at bars while playing trivia, bingo, and participating in fantasy leagues. The area allows for different kinds of interaction; while one main open space is inviting to families during the day, the other is designed for nightlife.

My favorite part about the area is being able to walk from my home to catch a game in Elysian Park.

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DISTRICT IDENTITY

[ THE CLOUD ]

Life in The Cloud is truly one of a kind! The community’s devotion to support small businesses resonated with me as I was looking for a place to live. The balance of common lifestyles to the high-tech lifestyle is done with enough care to make any newcomer feel welcomed.

By living here, I have the opportunity to test new technologies and devices. These experiences have allowed me to impact the future of technology and innovation.

The Cloud has one of the highest testing scores in all of California due to implementing and testing new technology to help students.

I even convinced my sister to move her 6-year-old here because of the new technology helping kids with dyslexia.

The proximity of everything I need on a daily basis to my house makes it easy for me to be efficient with my time. I also love being close to Magic-Town; I often ride bikes with my nephew to the Dodger Stadium.

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[ LINKIN PARK ]

In Linkin Park, the electric passion of music is alive.

Growing up, I was a classical pianist. On the side, I would teach myself guitar and even a little drums. It wasn’t until college when I realized my life revolved around making music. From a family of engineers, I never really felt a sense of community for what I love.

In my district, music is celebrated from venues, streets, restaurants, and inside homes. On my walk to work in the morning, my neighbors strum their guitars and sing Jack Johnson. Everywhere I turn, I have a welcomed opportunity to celebrate music.

One of my favorite activities in Linkin Park is to visit the Bennington Center, a memorialbased concert venue. On any given week you can find rap, punk rock, fold rock, and even new electronic music.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY 1.

“An Urban Planner Gives Us the Lowdown on L.A.” Los Angeles Times. March 15, 2015. Accessed September 19, 2018. http://www.latimes. com/local/california/la-me-california-chatandselfie-rosenfeld-20150315-story.html#.

2.

Drive. Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. Performed by Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan. United States: FilmDistrict, 2011. Film.

3.

Dunseith, Les. “Can L.A. Fix Its Broken Planning System?” UCLA Luskin. August 17, 2018. Accessed September 19, 2018. https://luskin. ucla.edu/can-l-fix-broken-planning-system/.

4.

“Jake Lee Collection.” Chinese Historical Society of America. July 20, 2018. Accessed September 19, 2018. https://chsa.org/2010/10/the-jakelee-project/.

5.

La La Land. Directed by Damien Chazelle. Performed by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. United States: Summit Entertainment, 2016. Film.

6.

L.A. Story. Directed by Mick Jackson. Performed by Steve Martin and Victoria Tennant. United States: TriStar Pictures, 1991. Film.

ReGen DTLA 2040 Masterplan

7.

“Los Angeles.” Visit The USA. Accessed September 19, 2018. https://www.visittheusa.com/destination/los-angeles.

8.

“Los Angeles, CA.” Los Angeles Bus Tickets from Union Station, Downtown LA, East LA, LAX Airport - GotoBus. Accessed September 19, 2018. https://www.gotobus.com/losangeles/.

9.

“Los Angeles Travel Insider.” Accessed September 19,2018. https://travelmassive.com/chapters/los-angeles

10.

Mandell, Beata. “Search Los Angeles Condos.” Highrises.com High-rise Condominiums and Lofts. September 19, 2018. Accessed September 19, 2018. https://www.highrises.com/los-angeles/

11.

“Music of Los Angeles.” Accessed September 19,2018. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Music_of_Los_Angele

12.

“The History Of Los Angeles Union Station.” Union Station Los Angeles. Accessed September 19, 2018. https://www.unionstationla.com/ history.

13.

Vann, Gillian. “Portraits.” Stocksy United. Accessed September 19, 2018. https://www.stocksy.com/Gillian/gallery/portraits.

For cover graphic see citations 7-10.