Situated in the heart of MacArthur Park, this project reimagines the historic Westlake Theatre through adaptive reuse as a catalyst for urban revitalization. Once a cultural landmark, the theatre has fallen into disuse alongside the area’s gradual decline. The design seeks to restore its identity as a local anchor by reviving its original entertainment program while integrating new complementary uses that draw the community back including performance spaces, workshops, and public gathering areas.
The project preserves the spirit of the existing structure while introducing a contemporary architectural language through the use of GFRC (Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete) panels. These panels serve as a passive design strategy, improving thermal performance and natural shading while maintaining visual porosity and connection to the urban context. The building becomes both heritage and innovation, honoring its past while adapting to the needs of the present.
By merging preservation with environmental responsiveness, the renewed Westlake Theatre becomes a beacon of cultural and sustainable revival, offering a model for how architecture can breathe new life into Los Angeles’ historic yet overlooked neighborhoods.
Location : MacArthur Park, Los Angeles, California
Instructor : Cody Miner
Software : Rhinoceros, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Enscape
