In Los Angeles' East Compton district, a striking supportive housing complex, designed by Kadre Architects, now stands, characterized by its vibrant color palette and winding pedestrian paths. This transformation aims to achieve a delicate equilibrium between a serious purpose and an inviting, cheerful atmosphere, offering a fresh start to its residents.
The initiative involved revitalizing a rundown motel in East Compton, converting it into a 40-unit residential community for individuals and families who previously experienced homelessness. The architectural approach thoughtfully considers the experiences of those who have undergone trauma, providing a design that caters to diverse age groups and promotes healing. Nerin Kadribegovic, founder of Los Angeles-based Kadre Architects, emphasized the necessity of balancing a sense of gravitas with a playful spirit to create a welcoming environment for both adults and families.
The complex features two structures, one with two levels and the other with three, forming an L-shape around a central, park-like courtyard spanning 22,000 square feet. The facades are painted in a creamy white, accented with concrete grey, yellow, and green, adding visual interest. Custom perforated-metal panels adorn the exterior, offering shade and privacy while creating arcade-like walkways that foster a transitional space between private residences and communal areas. This design philosophy encourages a gradual integration into community life, allowing residents to participate at their own comfort level. The once-neglected concrete parking lot, marred by dumpsters, has been reimagined as a vibrant courtyard, serving as a unifying central park. This outdoor area now boasts seating, a playful mound, and a dedicated dog park, transforming a desolate space into a lively hub for residents. Bright yellow pathways, inspired by aerial views of amusement parks, weave through the site, leading to living units adorned with matching yellow doors. The landscaping includes rain gardens for stormwater management and a canopy structure to provide shade, mitigating the urban heat island effect. Trees, grasses, and colorful wildflowers are strategically placed to inject vitality into the space, complementing the brightly painted hardscaping.
Inside, the complex comprises 36 studio units and four one-bedroom apartments tailored for families, each equipped with a kitchenette, bathroom, built-in closets, and essential furnishings. Each unit also includes at least one operable window for ventilation and emergency egress. The former motel lobby has been repurposed into administrative offices and support service facilities, featuring translucent polycarbonate panels that enhance natural light flow and provide visual privacy for meetings. The building is designed to be fully electric, powered by heat pumps, magnetic induction stoves, and rooftop solar panels. This project is a testament to California's Project Homekey initiative, which provides funding for the rapid development of housing solutions for the homeless. Since its establishment in 2022, Kadre Architects has successfully undertaken several similar motel conversion projects across Southern California, including a homeless shelter in LA's Westlake neighborhood and supportive housing in a desert city outside Los Angeles, each bringing vibrant and thoughtful design to communities in need.
This innovative architectural approach demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform neglected spaces into beacons of hope and community. By blending aesthetics with functionality, and prioritizing the well-being of residents, these projects exemplify a compassionate and effective response to homelessness, fostering environments where individuals and families can rebuild their lives with dignity and support. Such initiatives inspire a vision of urban development that is not only sustainable but also deeply humane, reminding us that every individual deserves a safe, supportive, and vibrant place to call home.