Palm Springs Navigation Center 

Palm Springs, Ca.
JFAK / City of Palm Springs

OotDL provided full landscape architecture services for a  3.7 acre former industrial property to house critically needed housing and support services in the Coachella Valley.  This fast track project included the renovation of existing industrial buildings and the construction of multi story prefabricated housing for unhoused individuals and families.  The site is adjacent to existing light industrial and commercial uses on two sides and residential properties on the other perimeters.  No existing vegetation was present on site, but dramatic views of the desert mountains provided inspiration for the site organization.  The goals for the landscape design included design of a street frontage to instill community pride in the facility, to soften views of the multi story buildings from outside of the site, and to create gardens and recreation areas for residents that will encourage social connections and community.  A central promenade flanked by native desert and adapted plants leads from the community support spaces to the children’s garden and dog run in the upper portion of the site.  Trees throughout the site will provide shade for outdoor activities, cool the buildings to reduce energy use and reduce heat island in the parking lot.