Westwood United Methodist Church

The Westwood United Methodist Church project stands as a testament to the belief that no space should go to waste. It not only pays tribute to the city but to the grandeur of Wilshire Boulevard. By reimagining what was initially designed as an imposing and lifeless driveway, this project breathes life into an innovative concept—an urban pocket park. While the project's primary objective was to add a bathroom facility and planters, it seized the opportunity to transcend these utilitarian needs. In doing so, it merged building, landscape, and urban furniture. This transformation gives birth to a novel archetype, that of the quasi-public pocket park, enriching the urban fabric and ensuring that no space remains underutilized. The project exemplifies the power of reimagining urban spaces and its enduring impact on community.

"The austere beauty of concrete poured-in-place architecture and seamlessly integrated landscape provide a wonderful amenity for the parishioners and inhabitants of the senior housing complex."
- Michael B. Lehrer
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Cultural
Location
Westwood, California
Client
Westwood United Methodist Church
Size
Status
Completed 2011
Awards
2011   AIA Los Angeles Award for Excellence in Design
2011   Faith and Form Magazine Merit Award for Sacred Landscape
2011   LA Business Council Award for Excellent Contribution
2011   Westside Urban Forum Honor Award
Award for Excellence in Design, American Institute of Architects - Los Angeles, 2011
Award of Excellence for 'exceptional contribution' in Landscape Architecture Category, Los Angeles Business Council, 2011
Merit Award for Sacred Landscape, Faith and Form Magazine, 2011
Westside Prize Honor Award, Westside Urban Forum, 2011
Project Team

Civil Engineer:
Jeff Marsh, Huitt-Zollars, Inc.

Structural Engineer:
John Labib, John Labib & Associates

Mechanical Engineer:
Lionel Villanueva, Davidovich & Associates

Plumbing Engineer:
Majeid Ghaemi, Davidovich & Associates

Electrical Engineer:
Ellery Arevalo, Davidovich & Associates

Lighting:
John Brubaker Architectural Lighting Consultants

Soils Engineer:
Ed Hill, Geotechnologies, Inc.

Environmental Consulting:
Dee Carlin, Carlin Environmental Consulting

Construction Manager:
John Heidt, Heidt Torres

Landscape Architect
Studio-MLA
Swimming Pool Engineer
Jones & Madhavan
Jones & Madhavan
Jones & Madhavan
Project Management
City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks
City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering
Media