COMPTON DOLLARHIDE COMMUNITY CENTER
Compton, CA 2009 - 2014
The design approach of the Compton Senior Center attempts to promote a healthy safe haven for interaction with seniors as well as provide a local resource for the City of Compton. Together with the new MLK transit center design & new housing developments, the Senior Center will transform this city block into a dynamic setting and sophisticated urban connection point.
The senior center seating concept emphasizes the importance of nature by harmoniously incorporating sunlight, lush landscape, and exciting courtyard vistas into the building. The emphasis on nature occurs through the main design strategy, a 27,900 square foot U-shaped building on a 40,000 square foot site positioned to focus towards an inner courtyard. This strategy allows for a more secure building by turning its focus inward providing a safe non-threatening environment.
The building has two main entrances , the primary entrance is located on Tamarind Avenue where pick-up and drop-offs, as well as MLK transit and walk-up pedestrians, enter. This primary entrance leads visitors into a soaring open air lobby space with direct views of the inner courtyard garden. The secondary entrance is situated next to the parking lot on the western portion of the building for vehicular-oriented visitors. This secondary entrance leads visitors to the front lobby and also provides lush garden views along the way.
Location: Compton, California
Year: 2009 - 2014
Status: Completed
Size: 27,900 SF / 69.68 Acres
Client: City of Compton, CA
Design Team: Elliot Barker, Michael Huang, Andrew Matsumoto, Michael Yee
