OMA to shade and reflect LA's FAB civic center park with sculpted canopies

competing against three other teams, international firm OMA — in collaboration with landscape architects mia lehrer + associates and innovation and design firm IDEO — has submitted their entry for the development of the two-acre ‘first & broadway (FAB) civic park’ in downtown los angeles.

the coveted plot of land currently sits unused and the aim of the project aims to provide downtown LA with a versatile green space that celebrates art, food and engagement. OMA’s proposal sees a park which frames a central plaza characterized by an iconic and playful arrangement of sculpted and reflective canopies that provide shade and light. additionally, planted greenery such as oak and sycamore trees will be seen to relate to its southern californian context. public furniture such as a wall of seating will curve and form an undulating ribbon.

‘the design is a culmination of civic exaltation – cultural engagement, people watching, and natural juxtaposition – forging a new type of park that becomes a destination by promoting and instilling the virtues of a worldly and exceptionally diverse city.’ – OMA

the park will also host a restaurant which will be realized as a series of shaded outdoor spaces with an edible roof garden. the two-storey building will be orchestrated to respond to the district’s surrounding civic and cultural landmarks. a range of experiences at the ground (café, beer garden, test kitchen, amphitheater seating), and a variety of indoor and outdoor dining on the second level.

 

the multi-sided building facilitates two levels of service: quick and casual on the ground, refined and elegant above

 

the proposal introduces a distinct type of park space; a respite for downtown la that celebrates the city’s diversity

 

the two-acre piece of land is located in downtown los angeles

 

the park design is both low maintenance and achieves “net-zero” efficiency in water and energy