Crossroads Plaza

ARC 202 – Architectural Design 2

Prof. Jesus Abril

For this project, we were given an existing site at the intersection of Cesar Chavez Ave. and Spring St. in downtown Los Angeles, and our objective was to create a mixed-use development that would easily incorporate itself into the surrounding areas of Placita Olvera and Chinatown.

When I was designing this project, I wanted to focus on verticality and making sure that the rooftops of each building were capable of being used for more than one purpose. My development consists of Retail & Restaurant space, museum space, residential units, and a community center that is open to the pubic. Crossroads Plaza is designed in a way that has paths that easily lead you into different parts of the city, with one path leading directly to the Chinatown Gate in the north, and the Placita Olvera Plaza in the south. The plaza itself has a fountain at its center that is to serve as a congregating space, and large green spaces to encourage residents to enjoy the beautiful Los Angeles weather.