A story of transformation in the LAPD

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[["images-card",{"images":[{"url":"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/dpcbzfiye\/image\/upload\/v1460053483\/dzjfqvs4copyozzhwsze.jpg","id":"5731"}]}],["images-card",{"images":[{"url":"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/dpcbzfiye\/image\/upload\/v1460053419\/ki8mqcgwzxegjdrqzhuh.jpg","id":"5726"}]}],["images-card",{"images":[{"url":"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/dpcbzfiye\/image\/upload\/v1460053365\/txcgitcl2jrtdjidhpov.jpg","id":"5721"}]}],["images-card",{"images":[{"url":"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/dpcbzfiye\/image\/upload\/v1462888083\/l57kvzxxbpnzbmxnbfam.jpg","id":"11986"}]}],["images-card",{"images":[{"url":"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/dpcbzfiye\/image\/upload\/v1460053341\/zmlojpi309dz0ykjfd0d.jpg","id":"5716"}]}]],"markups":[["a",["href","http:\/\/perkinswill.com\/","target","_new"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.gladdingmcbean.com\/","target","_new"]],["strong"],["em"]],"sections":[[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"Sustainable justice principles: A case study"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The LAPD Metropolitan Division was founded in 1933 as a transformative, compact mobile crime-fighting unit in a rapidly growing city dealing with the repercussions of 13 years of Prohibition."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"In 1967, the Los Angeles Police Department transformed law enforcement strategies in an era of civil unrest and rising crime rates by forming the first Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT Team). In 1971, the SWAT Team joined LAPD Metro, creating the elite, tactical division of today: a group whose mission is to support the department\u0027s community-based policing efforts to reduce the incidence and fear of crime."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"It is appropriate then that this unit founded on transformative policies should be the newest inhabitants of an existing LAPD police station with a notorious past undergoing a massive change both physically and symbolically."]]],[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"Proposition Q bond program"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The goal of visible transformation pervades every aspect of the $16 million renovation of the Old LAPD Rampart Station into a bright new LAPD Metropolitan Division Facility (LAPD Metro). From operational efficiencies through design, to recycling cherished remnants of history, transformation occurs on every level of shell reconstruction, workplace development, aesthetic upgrades, and quality of life within and without."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The fruits of a great departmental collaboration with the design team is also rebuilding a damaged civic image and trust in the process. A showcase of sustainable possibilities, and an open, collaborative internal layout, transform this former bunker into a vibrant, dynamic place to work, surrounded by artwork and garden spaces in a dense quarter of the city."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Part of the second phase of the City of Los Angeles\u0027s 2003 Proposition Q (Prop Q) Public Safety Bond Program, the LAPD Metro project builds on the successes of the program\u0027s first phase of projects. Facilities already constructed under the $600 million Prop Q Program have benefited from extraordinary political, bureaucratic and agency collaboration. That cooperation redefined law enforcement facility design in Los Angeles and allowed designers to pursue innovative strategies that reinforce the renewed agency focus on community policing."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Prop Q also elevated the bar of sustainable design for City of Los Angeles buildings, mandating a minimum LEED Silver Certification. As was the case with the "],[0,[0],1,"Perkins+Will"],[0,[],0,"-designed LAPD Rampart Division Station completed in 2008 and LAPD Harbor Division Station completed in 2009, many first phase Prop Q projects surpassed the mandated minimum by achieving LEED Gold Certification. The sustainable design techniques chosen for these projects gave priority to community amenities, public open spaces, and daylighting strategies that reinforce the city\u0027s public safety goals."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"As one of the final projects under Prop Q, the LAPD Metro renovation needed to find opportunities in its constraints to advance public safety design to the next level on a strict budget."]]],[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"Physical framework"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The 1.74-acre urban site occupies a sloping corner lot in a high-density, multi- ethnic residential community with some commercial neighbors and a 16\u2019-0\u201d onsite grade transition. Subsurface conditions consist of clay soils underlain by weathered siltstone bedrock interbedded with clayey shale, making infiltration difficult. In fact, a history of flooding was a major driver to the allocation of funds for facility renovation."]]],[1,"p",[]],[10,0],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The site is located in the northern portion of Los Angeles\u0027s Westlake neighborhood, on Temple Street: a major east-west arterial street connector. Adjacent to historic Filipinotown, East Hollywood, Echo Park, Silver Lake and downtown, Westlake has the second-highest population density within the County of Los Angeles, an extremely ethnically diverse constituency, and a distinct lack of open space."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Originally developed in 1966 as a community police station for the newly created Rampart Division, the site houses a 2-story concrete building with attached single-level parking deck, totaling approximately 62,500 GSF with parking and 28,700 GSF without. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"A manifestation of the mid-twentieth century policing approaches, the existing building sits several feet above the public way. The main public face of the building consisted of a north fa\u00e7ade of dark glass, non-thermally broken black mullions, dark gray asbestos-filled fa\u00e7ade panels, and custom-designed gray ceramic tile. The remainder of the perimeter was encircled with a staggered concrete block wall. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The facility designed by architect Glenn Arbogast, however, possessed reasonable mid -century modern \u201cbones\u201d complete with structural clarity, intact waffle-slabs, proportionate post and beam features, and non-structural infill panels containing custom-designed ceramic tile. Given a construction budget focused on seismic upgrades and wholesale replacement of building systems, these bones were an advantage to be leveraged."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"In 2009, the Rampart officers completed their relocation to the new Rampart Police Station on nearby 6th Street (also designed by Perkins+Will), leaving this site vacant until construction on the LAPD Metro project began in 2013."]]],[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"Historical framework"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The existing building had been associated with many scandals in the late 1990s, which created enduring negative connotations of the building within the city and community. We continue to work with the Bureau of Engineering, LAPD, the public artist and the neighborhood to ensure the fresh new image for the building both respects the past and creates a positive future for facility."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"In brief, the LAPD Rampart scandal refers to the corruption of the Community Resources Against Street Hoodlums (CRASH) anti-gang unit housed in this building during that time. Dozens of officers associated with the CRASH unit were convicted of behind-closed-doors illegal actions. The biggest opportunity of this renovation project, then, was to remedy this perception by transforming a closed box into an open, inviting facility with a symbolically transparent relationship to the community."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"With in the context of recent national attention on police misconduct in places such as Ferguson, Baltimore, and Cleveland, the importance of public buy-in becomes ever more critical in the design of public safety facilities. Given the site\u0027s history, though the value of this project fell below the standard threshold, the city held several community meetings both to update stakeholders on the progress of the project as well as to allow them to express their concerns. The public comments were as much about what w as happening in the world as much as they were about the facility itself."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"One request was not able to be accommodated due to the secure operational requirements associated with this elite division: the inclusion of a public meeting room. Instead, the design approach expanded to include community amenity outdoor space and the placement of public art in a truly public place along the perimeter security walls. Additionally, the large briefing room is on the westernmost portion of the building, near enough to the public entries to easily regulate access control to the rest of the building should a public meeting need to be held here in the future."]]],[1,"p",[]],[10,1],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Finally, the existing fa\u00e7ade\u0027s ceramic tile was uniquely designed by the original building architect and manufactured locally by "],[0,[1],1,"Gladding McBean"],[0,[],0,". Both the team and neighborhood valued salvaging this tile for symbolic reuse on the new site wall that redefines the relocated building entry as well as the facility\u0027s new name. The new fa\u00e7ade glazing\u0027s custom frit is then derived from this ceramic tile pattern, applied so as to create protective translucency and seamlessly accommodate ballistic glazing up to 8 feet high. The final abstraction of this significant tile pattern then creates the joints of the bright, new plaster surfaces."]]],[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"Enhanced collaboration"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"LAPD Metro operates 24\/7 and serves a population of 3,800,000 citizens. It is organized into platoons as follows: A Platoon (Administration), B+C Platoons (Crime Suppression), D Platoon (SWAT), E Platoon (Mounted Unit), H Platoon (Special Services), and K-9 Platoon (Canine)."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Metro officer assignments include uniformed crime-suppression details, as well as responding to high-risk barricaded situations, stakeouts, security details, warrant service, and assisting investigators in solving major crimes. The division is also trained to respond to potential counterinsurgency or terrorist situations as well as to provide training and leadership to the entire department. It frequently works with outside partners, including agencies such as the Los Angeles City Fire Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff\u0027s Department and the FBI as well as community nonprofits."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Currently spread throughout city facilities under different roofs, representatives from all platoons will be housed in the renovated building with a goal of increasing inter-platoon collaboration. Fitness workouts are required to be part of their daily routine, with cross-fit and martial arts programs being particularly popular. The project program therefore includes collaborative staff office areas, conference rooms, training facilities, armory, equipment storage, kennels, protected parking, screened armored vehicle parking, a secure perimeter, and display areas placed to reinforce division pride."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Because assignment locations can fluctuate drastically on a day-to-day basis, the majority of metro officers use their vehicles as their base of operations. This simple fact combined with the consolidation of resources in one location opened the door to innovative programming ideas. Firmly established citywide space and quantity standards did not fit this highly specific special ops program nor did the existing building shell accommodate it. An intensive programming discussion with multiple entities (which included a ride-along on a coordinated all-hands event) was required to gain the information and trust that allowed us to define future working and therefore spatial requirements."]]],[1,"p",[]],[10,2],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"For example, interior floor space dedicated to exercise was able to increase to 12 sf\/person because the number and size of supporting lockers decreased \u2013 most officers necessarily use their trunks as their main storage facilities. Additionally, enhancing and connecting adjacent exterior spaces such as the Staff Terrace captures additional workout area with the added bonus of fresh air and sunshine. Other such exterior areas of respite are scattered within the secure perimeter to offer a variety of open space scales and programs for officers in search of more passive forms of stress reduction. It is anticipated that the Ground Level Staff Patio with its gas grill hook-up will be a favorite."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Perhaps the most critical programming move was the use of hoteling workstations for the field platoon officers ranked below sergeant, and not only because it led to an approximately 18 percent program reduction. At the beginning of the project, the facility was to accommodate a staff population of approximately 370, including 350 sworn officers. In response to last year\u0027s rise in the crime rate, the city is considering a proposal by LAPD Chief Charlie Beck to increase the metro division by 200 officers. Unassigned plug-and-play workstations will help the facility absorb this potential influx of officers without a major renovation."]]],[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"Officer \u0026 staff health"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Meanwhile, the existing concrete shell building with its rigid structure, dark interior spaces, and fixed interior walls did not naturally create a healthy, collaborative environment. At the most basic level, a comprehensive hazardous material mitigation process removed harmful indoor substances such as asbestos and lead. The demolition of all non-structural interior walls allowed the insertion of interactive new open work spaces and informal break-out areas (incorporating the hoteling stations). These are places where officers can interact with each other and with their outside collaborators. The use of fiberwrap technology bolstered seismic design to essential services standards while maximizing available interior space."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Strategic carvings into the concrete floor and roof slabs allow diffused sunlight into high priority and frequently occupied spaces, increasing the health and happiness of those occupants. The central \u0022slot\u0022 transmits daylight by removing narrow portions of the floor and roof in the east-west direction, thus creating an interconnecting central circulation hub in the heart of the building. Daylight from the new rooftop monitor flows through the slot and glass bridgework into adjacent occupied spaces, allowing a healthy occupant connection to the circadian rhythms of the sun and sky."]]],[1,"p",[]],[10,3],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Strategic fenestration locations and types then allow for a variety of spatial modifications within the facility to accommodate larger gatherings such as \u0022all hands\u0022 events. For example, flexible boundaries\ndefined by sliding doors, planter placements, and flooring material changes\nallow the singular Staff Terrace to be used as place of respite, extension of\nSworn Officers Briefing Room, extension of Weight Room or event space\u2014all\ndepending on the event."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"\n\n\n\n"]]],[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"Conscious softening \u0026 integration"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"As a high-level tactical organization, the metro division program as it exists today does not allow for a significant publicly accessible program in the facility in the form of a community multipurpose room or the like. For the most part, public access is anticipated to stop at the lobby. However, every element of the site and building were evaluated from the community access standpoint to incorporate as much as possible now and leave options for future operational change later."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Facility accessibility, for example, has been drastically improved. New terrazzo stairs and accompanying ramp now connect Temple Street and public transportation stops to the public lobby. Higher volume civilian and public visitor areas such as conferencing areas, Commanding Officer offices, and the large Briefing Room are located on the same level as accessible parking and the newly accessible main building entry. A new elevator was inserted into the heart of the building to connect the two existing floors, which each contain their own kitchen, break area, and protected outdoor space."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"In contrast to the existing dark public fa\u00e7ade, the renovated building glows from the inside out like a lantern. A bright white framed curtain wall with translucent ballistic glass along the Temple Street fa\u00e7ade coupled with a new north facing light monitor flood the interior with daylight during day. Diffused light (either natural or LED) from \u201cthe slot\u201d forms a backdrop of illumination for the public fa\u00e7ade no matter what the time."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The staggered concrete block wall still encircles the site, and in some places is augmented to reach LAPD\u0027s current 8\u2019-high standard. However, sculptural new drought-tolerant landscaping softens the facility\u0027s image and frames the integrated public art panels while prohibiting passersby from approaching onsite structures. Also paid for with bond funds, the public art project by artist Ken Gonzales-Day is entitled The Outdoor Museum and was collaboratively placed for maximum public exposure. Designed specifically for installation in this ethnically diverse neighborhood, it is intended to reflect on the history of racial depiction by using photographic images of sculptures illustrating race from many different museums and cultural contexts \u2013 a timely reflection given nationwide events questioning the relationship between race and policing."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"The strategic removal and resurfacing of existing pavement across the site lowers the heat island effect, provides much-needed areas of respite for officers, and allows for the infiltration of stormwater onsite \u2013 culminating in a significantly sized bioswale on the southern edge. The pavement is replaced with strategically placed pervious paving at the Staff Patio, and drought -tolerant native plant species everywhere else."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Of particular note, the removal of pavement and reorganization of driveways led to two major site improvements: increased vehicular entry \/ exit efficiencies for the officers, and the provision of a public pocket park. Closing an inefficient driveway off Temple to the north, expanding existing driveway access from Benton to the east, and opening a new exit drive onto Hyans to the south facilitate maneuverability for the armored vehicle fleet by mitigating the elevations challenges of the site. Backfilling the abandoned driveway provided the space for a 2,000-square-foot community pocket park in the midst of a notoriously park poor neighborhood."]]],[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"Tactical transformation"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"In the end, the cumulative transformation will not be complete until LAPD Metro is settled into their new facility, and operating at effectively collaborative levels. We look forward to completing a post-occupancy evaluation with them. In the meantime, we have focused throughout the design and construction process on being transformative in the following categories:"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[2],1,"Programmatic:"],[0,[],0," The need for a collaborative environment drove major physical and procedural decisions. We expect that, as in previous projects where a cultural shift has accompanied a physical change, the months immediately following occupancy will be a time of adjustment. Based on the division and agency leadership goals as well as conversations with metro staff, we expect that the flexibility embedded into the design will serve them well both now and in the future. We expect that the possible addition of 200 officers might have an impact on storage and support needs, but not the core functioning of the facility. We expect that if current policing trends toward community involvement continue and adjustments in reaction to recent protests occur, that at least a portion of this facility will be converted for public access in the future."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[2],1,"Spatial:"],[0,[],0," The strategic carving of \u201cthe slot\u201d into the existing concrete creates eye-opening multistory volumes and rooms of varying scale, literally shedding new light on an old building. Daylight is introduced deep into a newly opened plan, while enhanced fenestration and site planning provide connections to nature and places of stress reduction for officers. Interactive program connect ions are made both horizontally (in open plan) and vertically (new central stair)."]]],[1,"p",[]],[10,4],[1,"p",[[0,[2],1,"Environmental:"],[0,[],0," The project employed typical site planning strategies such as access to public transportation, over 50 percent site open space, and lowering of the heat island effect. Additionally, building structure reuse and the salvaging of a few key materials lessens the project waste stream. All existing building finishes, systems, and equipment (mechanical, electrical, plumbing and site irrigation) are being replaced with high efficiency systems and products that are al so durable, easy to maintain, and contribute to improved indoor environmental quality. Through energy-efficient strategies and the installation of a 100kW photovoltaic system, the project meets the 2030 Challenge with an anticipated 64 percent reduction in site energy use intensity. Potable water use is anticipated to be approximately 32 percent below baseline."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"(It is worth noting that the rebate incentive for the photovoltaic system negotiated between the Bureau of Engineering and the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power was the first interagency agreement for this incentive program and established the precedent that will surely be followed.)"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[2],1,"Perceptual:"],[0,[],0," The new role of the facility is as a good neighbor in the community \u2013 both Westlake and beyond. The insertion of the pocket park, the reframing of history into a story for the future, the engaged approach to the public, the newly welcoming fa\u00e7ade all contribute to the manifestation of a new chapter in the history of this facility."]]],[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"Postscript: Project status"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"As of May 2015, the project is well\ninto construction, over 70 percent complete, adhering to the established construction\nbudget, and anticipating occupancy by fall 2015. It is still successfully\ntracking LEED Platinum Certification \u2013 a first for a City-owned building. All\nagreements, approvals and materials are in place to install the first major\nbuilding-mounted photovoltaic array on a City owned property using LADWP rebate\nprocesses to help fund."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"A recipient of numerous national, regional and local design awards already, including recognition by the AAJ with a 2014 Merit Award \u2013 the project maintains strong support from both the project management team and the ultimate LAPD user groups. The city has specifically applauded the successful consolidation of several metro divisions under one roof, and the process of giving this decaying building a new life within this community. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[2],1,"About the authors"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[3],1,"Leigh Christy, AIA, is an associate principal, senior project architect at Perkins+Will. Nick Seierup, FAIA, is a principal, design director at Perkins+Will. "]]]]}