Los Angeles County, Downtown Mental Health Center

Bringing Critical Mental Health Resources to Downtown LA

Situated in Los Angeles’ Skid-Row district, the mental health clinic served nearly 300 mostly homeless patients daily in a repurposed parking structure for decades. Working with dedicated doctors and staff, the design team reorganized the program and performed a complete modernization in order to transform the labyrinth-like space into a welcoming, yet secure, treatment environment.

While conducting seismic upgrades, the design team cut skylights into the concrete slabs to allow daylight into the basement level, which serves as the main office space for providers and case workers. The strategic location of the skylights also houses the relocated vertical circulation within—a key element in re-imagining operational adjacencies which drastically improve clinical and administrative flow as well as circulation efficiencies.

A beacon of hope and recovery, the renovated clinic empowers clients and families, reduces disparities, and increases access to appropriate care. Most importantly, the facility helps local residents receive essential services allowing them to stabilize their circumstances and lead productive lives.