Ecology + Environment

The Influence of Ecology, the Environment, Open Space, & Health-Lifestyle

on Social Housing in Los Angeles

Blanca Chavez, Hanna Chavez, Parastoo Lotfi, Banning Muhca

Environmental Forces

Global & Local Scale

Communities throughout the U.S., along with communities at the global scale have been experiencing the tangible harms induced by natural and anthropogenic climate change. In Los Angeles specifically, the region is highly susceptible to natural disasters and other extreme weather events that have been occurring at higher frequencies and much more intensely, especially as the climate crisis becomes more pronounced in its impact.

LA’s diverse geography, comprising of inland valleys, its coastal plain, and surrounding mountain ranges plays an important role in understanding potential environmental impacts and vulnerabilities that are unique to the region based on geographical differentiation.

Global Environmental Forces

Internally displaced persons from natural disasters globally, 2020

Many people were forced or obliged to flee their homes as a result of natural disasters in 2020. In the international development community, universal access to safe and secure housing has been raised as one of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDG) for global development — SDG 11. SDG 11's focus is to "make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable". SDG 11 has 10 target items and 15 indicators within the framework of the goal. 193 countries have committed to adopting the 17 sustainable development goals.

Number of people directly affected by natural disasters globally, 2020

In combatting environmentally-induced displacement and other harms, goals such as SDG 11 - indicator 5 commit to reducing the adverse effects presented by natural disasters. The implementation of these goals is instrumental in the fight against global climate vulnerability. This vulnerability is intrinsically linked to social housing issues, as the challenges presented by the climate crisis can exacerbate housing insecurity for both already at risk and even stable populations. With rapid mass urbanization, housing shortages, and the need to be ready for the unexpected, the frequency and reoccurrence of climate-related disasters will continue to heighten the housing crises in disaster-prone areas.

Environmental Impacts Influencing Social Housing in L.A.

Community Context

The social housing crisis in Los Angeles is disproportionately impacting marginalized groups. Angelinos already trying to navigate housing insecurity as a result of their low-income background leaves them with limited levels of adaptive capacity as they don’t have the same financial abilities and overall resources as their higher-income counterparts.

For impacted groups, this can look like increased instances of environmental inequity, higher rates of displacement as a result of natural disasters, and other intensifying environmental challenges. One very simple and recurring example of this is low-income renters having to spend greater portions of their income on cooling their home, which can become incredibly unaffordable as temperatures rise and prolonged heat waves become more frequent.

Planning Resilient Communities

There has been a call for both climate and housing intervention policy that not only addresses issues of environmental justice but works environmental equity and SDG’s into the City’s framework. This can be observed through several of LA’s recent planning documents such as LA’s green new deal, Vision Zero, and even the general plan.

To mitigate climate impacts, efforts such as increased TOD, infill housing, and green infrastructure are well-suited to address the shortcomings of housing in L.A. and develop resiliency within the regions communities.

Environmental Impact and Community Context

As approaches to environmental efforts take center, opportunities for TOD, infill housing, and more overall climate-focused approaches (green infrastructure, green retrofits, sustainable lasting materials etc.) that cultivate resilient communities are well-suited to address the shortcomings of housing in L.A., especially as the surrounding environmental conditions become increasingly erratic.

Environmental forces disproportionately Groups lacking adequate housing are extremely Opportunity for climate-focused

impacting communities of color vulnerable to environmental stressors approaches and resilient community

building

Ecology

Human Influence on the Environment

The environment is our physical surroundings and characteristics that affect our living. Naturally, we interact with the environment by extracting natural resources, industry, mining, farming, and the use of energy resources to improve our daily lives. For example, we use natural gas, coal, oil, sunlight, soil, water, etc. for domestic cooking and fuel. Also, raw materials for the production of goods. Most energy resources such as fossil fuels are non-renewable which makes them not sustainable for a long period and is one of the reasons for climate change. However, there are a few energy resources that are renewable and sustainable for the environment such as wind, solar, and geothermal energy, biomass, and hydropower. Our influence creates an impact on the Earth and the advancement of technology can help reshape the way we use resources for a design that can create a more sustainable environment.

Environmental Influence on Society

Physical and social environmental factors impact the way society builds, live, and move throughout spaces. Some physical features are landform, access to natural resources, vegetation, and climate. These physical features constraints the population in methods of building, materials, lifestyle, and enhance or inhibit performance tasks. Simultaneously, harmful substances such as air pollution and toxic sites affect the mental and physical health of individuals. Additionally, if the socio-economic, social connections, racial and ethnic social factors are impacted negatively or positively it can impact the health of the population as well. The social environmental factors are also influenced by the physical environment but are also connected to its impact on society.

The environment and society are continuously adapting to each other but more in a negative way than positive. Therefore, it is important to continue maintaining and preserving the health of the Earth and the health of the population with sustainable design.

Environmental Factors in L.A. — Urban Heat Island, Oil Drilling, and Industrial Facilities

Los Angeles is experiencing an increase in temperature than normal due to climate change, surfaces retaining heat, and fewer trees and vegetation. Rising temperatures can impact a community's environment and quality of life such as health issues, reduced cooling, discomfort, increased air pollution, etc. According to the “County of Los Angeles, Public Health” department mentions that the most vulnerable population impacted by the urban heat island effect are low-income communities and communities of color. It is more difficult for low-income communities to adapt to their environment due to a lack of resources, small living spaces, and limited space of greenery. Which, increases their exposure to climate change.

Another impact of climate change is the increase of greenhouse gases being emitted within our atmosphere. A few sources that are the cause of this within the Los Angeles area are oil drilling for fuel and the use of industrial facilities for burning coal and gas to power the city. A study conducted by USC states “Los Angeles is home to the largest urban oil field in the country, with thousands of active wells extracting crude and natural gas near homes, schools, and parks...with 1,000 abandoned wells that continue to expose people to toxic gases.” As a result, the toxic environment affects the health and well beings of individuals. The most vulnerable population again are the low-income and communities of color because of the location of the oil drilling. USC’s study introduces that majority of the drillings are located within South LA.

Working Towards Resilient Affordable Housing

Affordable Housing gets impacted the most by environmental factors but it is the most sustainable towards the environment. Social housing is meant for low-income communities and homelessness so there is a shortage, since it is funded by federal funds, grants, donations, and or non-profit organizations. However, based on research it is sustainable because it provides more access to social services, job opportunity, steady income, economic growth, and less expensive of daily costs.

Restoring Los Angeles' housing infrastructure with more sustainable materials and intentional practices can be critical in responding to climate change and mitigating adverse impacts, especially for vulnerable communities. Some practices include:

Energy efficient technology
Reflective material
Gardens
Renewable energy

Open Space

What is Open Space/Green Space?

Open space is any open piece of land that is undeveloped (has no buildings or other built structures) and is accessible to the public. Green space (land that is partly or completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, or other vegetation). Green space includes parks, community gardens, school courtyards, playgrounds, public seating areas, public plazas, and vacant lots.

These spaces are critical as they serve a number of functions:

1. Provides opportunities for recreation and education;

2. Preserves scenic, cultural or historic values;

3. Conserves or preserves natural resources ecologically important areas;

4. Provides or preserves lands for managed production of natural resources;

5. Protects or provides for the public health and safety;

6. Enhances the economic base of the City;

7. Preserves or creates community scale and identity; and

8. Buffers or defines activity areas.

The Open Spaces in Los Angeles

Recent studies have show the Los Angeles County is the most densely populated county in the United States and there is little room for expansion. Additionally, the county is also currently facing a housing shortage crisis has left the area with an even wider array of issues. A significant issue being access to green spaces and parks in the urban cities located within the county.

Although there is a substantial amount of green spaces, the spaces are not equally available when the cities are compared to one another.

Los Angeles has a green space problem. Only 29% of residents live close to a park and minority residents are disproportionately impacted by this problem. ... One main reason is The Quimby Law, which favors park development in richer areas.

Walkable park access is the ability to reach a publicly owned park within a half-mile walk on a road network, unobstructed by freeways, rivers, fences, and other obstacles. Currently, only 55% of people live within a half-mile of a park.

Urban open space can strengthen the social fabric in cities, providing opportunities for residents and visitors to participate in activities and socialize with one another, especially among residents who often have very little private space to themselves. “Green spaces” are defined as recreational parks or areas in which community residents can spend their time and enjoy their respective neighborhoods. One way to combat this, is to make the link between social housing and social space as compelling as the emotional pull of private homes and gardens.. For example: A patch of grass on a housing estate is a place to walk the dog but can also be a gym, a youth club, or community centre

Aspects of Open Space in Social Housing

It is possible to identify four aspects of open space critical to measuring the quality of social housing

Design and Comfort — This aspect is addressed by current national and local urban planning policies and activities.
Diversity and Opportunity — The second aspect important to residents relates to the potential range of activities and uses possible in communal open spaces.
Safety — Communal open spaces should be safe for all users, equipped to facilitate active and passive surveillance. Physical features are most important for the sense of safety, belonging, and caring for communal open space.
Sociability — Communal open spaces may facilitate contact and relations between residents of high-density residential developments

The quality of social housing and treatment of open space varies enormously across the globe, but several common characteristics of quality open spaces can be identified:

1. layout and size of open space,

2. diversification and wide range of varieties of forms and contents of open space,

3. hierarchical relationship between different types of open spaces,

4.different ownership (private, semi-private, common),

5.generous standards,

6. walkability,

7. social sustainability and equity,

8. environmentally friendly.

Form of many open spaces areas or districts can be defined as “compact” urbanism, often follow a grid structure with a semi-open block form, which provides open access to the courtyards of residential blocks, private gardens for each home on the ground floor of the blocks as well as varieties of open spaces.

The basic principle in architectural design is a great variety of dwelling models with maximum architectural variation - the resulting designs include balconies and terraces, patios, roof gardens, private gardens for ground floor units, etc.

Implementing Open Space

Waterfronts, greenways and linear parkways, pedestrian sidewalks and traffic restricted street and public parks are most important for build of social and environmental sustainable and user friendly open spaces network.

It should give scope for adults and children to enjoy passive and active relaxation and psycho-physical regeneration, social contacts and contact with nature.

Features of Successful Social Housing Schemes Depend on Treatment of Open Space

In social housing, shared outdoor communal spaces can bring many social benefits and improve quality of life, but also can present problems. Residents of a block may all have different ideas about how they would like to use the space. A family may want their young children to play. Some residents may want to invite friends for socializing, while others may simply want a quiet outdoor area to relax. With all these competing wants, residents can easily become unhappy with how communal areas are used if it disturbs their own privacy or peace. A key element in the success of communal space is whether is made a safe place for children to play as well as for other users. Some features of successfully implemented open spaces in social housing projects include an intentional relationship with the surrounding area in terms of connectivity, scale, and integration; proximity to good public transport; clear demarcation between public and private spaces, and so forth.

The process of urban planning, urban and architectural design, and construction of user-friendly open spaces implies a set of coordinated activities which promote:

Better Design
Sustainable Development
Larger involvement of the community

Health + Lifestyle

Implementing Design Elements Conducive to the Promotion of Good Health + Well-Being

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is beneficial to our physical and mental wellbeing. We are more productive in environments full of natural light, fresh air quality, and greenery. Architects can make design decisions intended not only to increase access to these elements, but also to promote an active lifestyle.

These design elements include:

Increasing stairs intended for everyday use
Locate building functions in ways that encourage walking
Centralize design around and display active spaces such as recreation centers and open spaces
Create a pedestrian friendly massing that invites users into active spaces

Health and Lifestyle in Los Angeles

Providing access to recreation, transportation, open spaces, fresh food, and community engagement are methods of creating a healthy city.

Although many of these conditions exist throughout Los Angeles, they are difficult to access. The city was built around infrastructure and walkability suffers at its expense.

Initiatives in recent years have improved the overall walkability of Los Angeles, now at the 12th most walkable city in the country.

Many of these initiatives focus on building upon existing infrastructure in low income areas to increase access to the city.

Los Angeles TOC Incentive Program

Los Angeles launched the TOC program in 2016 to create “Transportation Oriented Communities.” This Program gives developers incentives to build residential complexes within a half mile of major transit stops. In exchange, the developers must dedicate a portion of the project to affordable housing. Part of incentives allow the developers to built past the

The North Hollywood Metro Station is the largest proposed TOC project, it is located where the Orange Line connects with the Red Line. The plan includes 25% affordable housing, large open space, and new transportation infrastructure.

The NHMS is an example of a Tier 4 TOC project. The amount of allowance to deviate from local zoning ordinances depends on the tier level of the project from Tier 1 (low) to Tier 4 (high). This depends on the number of different transit and bus lines near the project.

The tier levels increase the maximum allowable number of dwelling units by:

Tier 1: 50%
Tier 2: 60%
Tier 3: 70%
Tier 4: 80%

Implications and Next Steps

Understanding the implications that these phenomena — being the environment, ecology, open space, and health-lifestyle, have on social housing challenges is critical to adequately addressing the nuances they present. Not only that, incorporating open space and health-lifestyle features are integral to striving towards cities that are more resilient and sustainable. Through intentional practices and interventions such as transit-oriented communities and more comprehensive open-space initiatives, cities like Los Angeles, which leads in pollution, lack of green space, and an overall rejection of environmental-urban coexistence, can work to adapt practices that embody an environmentally equitable, just, and sustainable city.

References

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Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities - SDG Tracker. (n.d.). Our World in Data. Retrieved September 23, 2021, from https://sdg-tracker.org/cities

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“LA Explained: The Climate Emergency.” LAist, 20 Apr. 2021, https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/la-explained-the-climate-emergency-guide.

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See full presentation below for more information on this topic.

chavezblanca_115168_37913090_Group 1 Presentation — Final.pptx

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