Client

Overview

SEASONS at Compton consists of 84 units providing homes for senior citizens and developmental disable. This affordable housing community is designed to be as energy efficient as possible including photo-voltaic generating cells included as an integral part of the architectural aesthetic. A screened membrane protects the building facades along major transportation corridors which provides effective sound protection for the entire housing complex and generates electricity, thus reducing operating and maintenance costs. The linear water feature located at the central courtyard operates like a public art statement framed by the colorful treatment at the perimeter of the buildings.

Goals

To set a distinctive urban statement celebrating one of the main access to the City of Compton from the freeway 110. The site design acts a controlled and defensible space, but its buildings’ articulation creates a friendly relationship with the surrounding community. During the early stages of the design process we maintained several community meetings where neighbors and city officials participated in workshops under the leadership of the entire design team.This projects architecture and urban design realizes the opportunity of combining the factors of affordability, sustainability, revitalization and design through low-cost construction, environmentally respectful materials, aesthetic design, and collaborative planning. SEASONS at Compton is a 100% affordable housing community, providing homes for senior citizens at or below 50% of area median income.

Process

The collaborative process between the Compton community, the public agencies, the non-profit develops, the builder and the leading architectural firm (Nardi Associates) was a seamless 3 years journey. The design and project completion became an interactive exchange of ideas with a strong community participation understanding the need to house not only the feature uses but defining a strong and visible sense of place as well for the City of Compton.

Additional Information

Awards: Targeting LEED for Homes Platinum; 2009 Gold Award by National Association of Home Builders; 2011 Project of the Year Award by the California Building Industry Association