Leimert Park Community Center

The project employs a long-span system based on creating a 3-dimensional vector truss system that works both vertically and laterally by offsetting the lower chords of the truss by five feet horizontally. The upper and lower chords of the truss are derived from conglomerations of hexagons in section, yielding a condition where wall becomes both roof and ceiling. Furthermore, this truss system geometry yields views both through and between different spaces, both interior and exterior. In response to lowering two basketball courts half a level, the site is manipulated to both direct light into those semi-underground spaces, and afford views for the public to watch the games. The other two courts are raised to the second level, so their access is more private, but can be viewed more publicly, encouraging the neighborhood to engage with the site, whether or not they plan to enter the buildings.