Taking inspiration from California’s iconic and unique redwoods, exceptional in “their towering height, their resiliency and the delicate, balanced ecosystem that supports them”, Koichi Takada incorporated many elements into the high-rise design that engage with the public and enhance the neighborhood. Actually the architect explains that “our vision is to create the healthiest place to live in Los Angeles by creating the optimal balance between the artificial and natural environments. […] Our nature-inspired approach to this project provides a platform for health and wellbeing for the residents, hotel guests and neighbors. It’s a tall high rise, but we humanize it with natural materials, vertical landscaping, and engaging public elements.”
The base of the building takes on an undulating canopy that engages with the street level and brings the high rise down to the human level. Both a public art piece and shade and shelter for guests, residents, and pedestrians, the ground level structure contributes to the walkability of the entire neighborhood. In addition, a natural vertical green façade made from wood, raises from the base and goes up to the top where it generates a redwood tree crown branching out toward the sky.