2024
MCHAP
Pacific Landing Affordable Housing
Patrick Tighe, FAIA, FAAR
Santa Monica, California, United States
October 2023
PRIMARY AUTHOR
Patrick Tighe (Founder)
CONTRIBUTING AUTHOR
Nous Engineering (Structural Engineer), Yael Lir Landscape Architects (Landscape Architect), Raimi + Associates (Sustainability Consultant), Energy Partners (Sustainability Consultant)
CLIENT
Community Corporation of Santa Monica
PHOTOGRAPHER
Pavel Bendov
OBJECTIVE
Pacific Landing’s primary objective lies in addressing the critical need for affordable housing, particularly for individuals with disabilities and families with limited incomes. The project desires to create a supportive and inclusive community environment while also integrating a new but thoughtfully designed building into the neighborhood. This necessitates a building that maximizes residential density without compromising comfort and accessibility.
Spatially, the building emphasizes versatility and functionality. The interior spaces are designed to be adaptable, serving multiple purposes to accommodate the diverse needs of the residents. Common areas such as social service offices, recreation rooms, and interior courtyards promote social interaction and well-being. Amenities like children's playground and a café also encourage community engagement and foster a sense of belonging.
The architectural design of Pacific Landing aims to seamlessly integrate with the surrounding urban fabric while making a distinct visual statement. The forms of the building are reminiscent of iconic home imagery, now reinterpreted in a new composition that represents a new way of seeing affordable housing. The massing of the building is broken down into several smaller components. Exterior spaces, including rooftop gardens and green courtyards, serve as extensions of the living spaces, promoting outdoor leisure and interaction.
In terms of material, structural, and construction innovation, Pacific Landing prioritizes sustainability and environmental responsibility. Innovative materials and construction techniques are employed to minimize environmental impact and enhance energy efficiency. This includes the use of low-carbon materials, advanced insulation systems, and renewable energy sources such as solar panels.
CONTEXT
Situated on a former (contaminated) gas station site, Pacific Landing represents a transformative urban infill project, revitalizing the neighborhood while addressing pressing social and environmental needs. With a focus on affordability, the building provides 37 residences tailored to individuals with disabilities and limited incomes, promoting social equity and inclusivity. Designed with versatility in mind, the project maximizes density while minimizing environmental impact, incorporating multi-purpose spaces and green amenities like interior courtyards, a playground, barbeque area and rooftop gardens.
The project underwent a community centered design approach, securing approval from key stakeholders such as various neighborhood groups, the Planning department, Architectural Review Board, and Planning Commission. This collaborative process underscores the contribution to the ongoing revitalization of Lincoln Boulevard and reflects a collective commitment to community development.
With the Net Zero and LEED Platinum certifications, the building demonstrates a dedication to energy efficiency, water conservation, and stormwater management. Innovative systems and materials are employed to mitigate environmental impact while enhancing the well-being of its residents.
Pacific Landing embodies a harmonious convergence of new development and the existing urban landscape, blending social responsibility and environmental stewardship to create a resilient and vibrant community for both current and future generations of the community.
PERFORMANCE
The building is brand new and has been fully occupied as of November 2023. During its initial period of use, Pacific Landing has excelled in meeting expectations and delivering unexpected benefits to both its users and the surrounding community. Its sustainable design and energy-efficient systems have surpassed projections, resulting in lower energy consumption, and reduced environmental impact. The project's emphasis on community engagement has fostered a vibrant atmosphere, with events and activities strengthening social ties among residents. Furthermore, Pacific Landing has revitalized its urban site, becoming a positive asset to the neighborhood, and setting a new standard for sustainable development in the area.
The non-profit developer is committed to post occupancy evaluations and is planning for a satisfaction survey at the one-year mark in November 2024. Necessary improvements will be made during the occupancy period based on discoveries on the occupants’ needs and concerns. As of today, the project has received multiple positive feedback from residents regarding the contemporary design, livability, and the generous communal spaces with abundant greenspaces. An opening ceremony was also held to invite the affordable housing community and potential residents to learn more about the Net Zero, LEED Platinum design systems, promoting the value of a resilient and equitable building for the affordable housing typology.
Overall, the project stands as a successful integration of sustainability, social responsibility, and community engagement in affordable housing development, adding significant value to its context and setting a precedent for future projects.