The SIX

Skid Row Housing Trust’s The Six, permanent supportive housing designed by Brooks + Scarpa for formerly homeless individuals and veterans in MacArthur Park, received the 2017 Institute Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) at the AIA Conference on Architecture in Orlando, FL today. AIA’s Institute Honor Awards is one of the highest recognitions for excellence in architecture, interior architecture and urban design regardless of project’s budget, size, style, or type.

Selected from roughly 700 submissions, The Six is one of 23 recipients located throughout the world that are being honored this year. It is the only project selected from Southern California. The Six also received a 2017 AIA Housing Design Award, which celebrates homes that combine beauty, safety, and sustainability. The Six is specifically recognized for affordable housing design that meets the specialized needs of residents.

“The Six was is designed from the ground up to facilitate healing and community both within and beyond a building's walls,” said Mike Alvidrez, CEO of Skid Row Housing Trust. “It is a neighborhood landmark that elevates the conversation about ending homelessness.” In addition to the national awards, The Six has been awarded 2017 Design Honor Awards by AIA Los Angeles and AIA California Council.

The Six offers 52 welcoming and supportive homes to individuals who have experienced homelessness, with 18 of them set aside specifically for veterans. In the military, “got your six” means “I’ve got your back.” Brooks + Scarpa’s innovative design thoughtfully balances privacy with opportunities to connect with the community. The Six has onsite supportive services and 24-hour property management on the ground floor, and community rooms and a spacious courtyard on the second floor that offer peaceful respite and space for social gatherings.

Incorporating energy-efficiency measures that exceed standard practice, including passive design strategies that maximize natural light and airflow, the project received LEED Platinum Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Located in MacArthur Park, The Six is a striking addition to a neighborhood that has one of highest population densities the United States. The Six demonstrates that housing based on the principals of Housing First, Harm Reduction, and Design Equity can be applied in neighborhoods throughout the region to prevent and end homelessness.

Skid Row Housing Trust

Brooks + Scarpa: Lawrence Scarpa, FAIA – Lead Designer, Angela Brooks, FAIA – Principal In Charge and Project Architect, Emily Hodgdon, Chinh Nguyen, , Cesar Delgado, Mario Cipresso, Brooklyn Short, Royce Scortino, Ryan Bostic - Project Design Team