ALTADENA, CALIFORNIA

Frameworks investigates how architecture can act as a catalyst for community resilience in wildfire-prone Southern California. The Eaton Fire in Altadena, California, highlighted the vulnerabilities of suburban edges and underscored the need for civic spaces that foster social networks year-round while facilitating coordinated responses during emergencies. Set within Charles Farnsworth Park, the proposed infrastructure serves as a cultural, educational, and resource anchor in daily life. Yet it is designed to transform into a community hub for communication, refuge, and resource distribution in the event of a wildfire threat. Through adaptable programming, fire-conscious site strategies, and an emphasis on collective capacity, the project positions architecture not just as a hub but as an urban tactic for long-term resilience and community cohesion.

Community Infrastructure

The 2025 Eaton Fire disrupted Altadena’s essential community infrastructure, damaging trails, park facilities, and everyday gathering spaces. The loss exposed how limited and fragile local civic resources were, highlighting a need for stronger, more adaptable community anchors that can support residents both in daily life and during wildfire events.

Shading Module Framework

The shading canopy acts as a lightweight framework that defines space through repeated modules. Its members filter sunlight, create dynamic shade, and extend the building’s usable exterior, all dependent on what is programmed in the space below. Designed to be adaptable, the system provides daily comfort while supporting resilience in moments of environmental stress.