MLK1101

Project Design

Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects (LOHA) has been in the vanguard of multifamily housing in Los Angeles, both affordable and market rate, with a bold architectural voice and emphasis on social interaction, both within complexes and with the surrounding neighborhood. He has produced a slate of books elaborating on these themes, dating back to his time as a student at the Architectural Association in London when he wrote a dissertation entitled Towards New Models of Social Connectivity. “My interest in creating a third space that celebrates community and engagement has been immensely important to me ever since,” says the architect.

At MLK1101 (2019), LOHA and the nonprofit developer Holos Communities transformed a vacant, unimproved lot in South LA into 26-units for previously homeless veterans and low-income families. They created an L-shaped building around an elevated green patio, or “outdoor living room”, allowing every apartment to receive sunlight and cross ventilation, and for residents to relax and socialize away from the noise of the street.

All the units are accessed through exterior walkways, which vary in width for a more dynamic, staggered elevation and to create more informal gathering spaces and opportunities for residents to socialize.

The building also connects to the sidewalk, with a widened staircase that serves as a stoop; this public gathering space is much-used by locals. 

More about MLK1101.

More about Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects.

More about Isla Intersections, also designed by LOHA.

More about Holos Communities.

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Reflections

It’s a curious building, man. I love it.
—James, Neighbor (from Building in Place: Architecture Rooted in Context and Social Equity, LOHA’s latest book)

When you are living on the streets… every day is just a matter of survival. I shed a tear when I first found out I was moving in. It was a blessing.
—Lewis Blank, Resident (from Building in Place: Architecture Rooted in Context and Social Equity, LOHA’s latest book)

Top: MLK1101, plaza and walkways. Photo by Paul Vu; Bottom left, Bottom right, walkway at MLK 1101. Photo by Paul Vu; Bottom right, the team at LOHA (Lorcan O’Herlihy is 3rd from left). Photo courtesy LOHA.