Transforming Los Angeles: Meet Elisabet Olle Amat
In this Transforming Los Angeles blog series, we’re delving into the people, projects and initiatives that are shaping the future of Los Angeles. Learn more about the intricacies of creating interconnected infrastructure that delivers social value for a more cohesive, inclusive, and sustainable urban environment.
Elisabet Olle Amat is a versatile urban designer, architect and planner, leveraging her multidisciplinary training to innovate across various fields and tailor optimal solutions for urban environments. She draws her urban experience solutions from living in Barcelona, London and a few cities in the U.S. Elisabet demonstrates a profound understanding of the complexities within urban landscapes, particularly in cities like Los Angeles where she advocates towards more inclusive, plural, livable, walkable and people-oriented environments.
Tell us a bit about yourself – your role and career journey.
My background in architecture and urban design allows me to cross-pollinate between both disciplines to develop effective solutions for urban environments. My career began in Barcelona, then I spent four years in London, and eight years ago, I moved to the United States to attend UCLA. Along the way, I had the opportunity to experience living in two different cities, Chicago and Los Angeles. Changing geographies exposed me to stark differences in urban design philosophies, particularly coming from a pedestrian-friendly environment to car-centric cities in America like Los Angeles.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, ranging from large-scale city master plans to smaller neighborhood designs and public spaces. My focus has consistently been on creating more walkable, human-centric environments that prioritize safety and livability. This often involves reimagining suburban models to foster pedestrian-friendly spaces. I’ve also contributed to transit projects, including station designs and transit-oriented developments. My work reflects a commitment to enhancing urban landscapes through innovative design solutions tailored to the needs of individual communities.
Talk to us about a project that has impacted or been a major highlight of your career. How is it solving the challenges and issues our clients and communities are facing today?
A pivotal project in my career was the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) master plan for the Compton Artesia station on California’s Blue Line. This project tackles the challenge of transit infrastructure being disconnected from its surrounding environment.
Situated in a suburban area alongside an industrial zone and outdoor mall, the station suffered from wayfinding issues and underutilized lots, causing low ridership due to its isolated location. Funded by Los Angeles Metro, the project aimed to revitalize the station through a transit-oriented development plan. By introducing diverse programming, it aims to benefit Compton through housing, retail, and open spaces enhancement. It involved thorough assessments, conceptualizations and community engagement sessions. Initially held at a city-owned space, engagement efforts expanded to include various stakeholders as identified by the local community.
Our inclusive approach enabled direct dialogue with residents, offering insights into their needs and aspirations for the neighborhood. Engaging with Compton’s residents proved both challenging and rewarding. The process highlighted the importance of inclusive planning and getting to know what residents want for their community. Directly hearing the voices of the people and helping them articulate their vision for their neighborhood was incredibly interesting and hugely rewarding for me.
How do you incorporate green infrastructure into your designs to promote sustainable practices and positively impact health and well-being?
Incorporating green infrastructure into our designs involves various strategies aimed at capturing and managing stormwater, which plays a vital role in addressing urban climate challenges by working with nature. Depending on the project, whether that be urban design or planning initiatives, we employ diverse approaches which are always tailored to the specific context. For instance, when designing streets, we prioritize permeable surfaces, integrate bioswales, and plant more trees to mitigate stormwater runoff and enhance water absorption. In a recent project focused on urban forestry in Los Angeles, we investigated the disparities in tree distribution across different neighborhoods, particularly noting that low-income areas tend to have fewer trees compared to wealthier neighborhoods. Through community engagement and research, we highlighted the significance of tree preservation policies, as seen in cities like Pasadena, which have stricter regulations when it comes to protecting trees. As LA faces densification and increased construction, preserving trees is crucial to maintaining urban greenery and mitigating heatwaves. All these elements make up part of our sustainable practices and improve overall community health and wellbeing.
How does the unique culture and character of Los Angeles influence your approach to urban design?
I’d like to highlight two key aspects of Los Angeles. Firstly, it is a remarkably diverse community, comprising people from various cultures and backgrounds. Secondly, the city’s character, which is primarily designed for cars rather than for people, poses a significant challenge. Understanding these two elements of Los Angeles is paramount in the design process. Empowering the community and actively soliciting their input are essential steps in ensuring inclusivity and responsiveness to their needs. As an urban designer, my role is pivotal in reimagining urban spaces to prioritize pedestrian experiences and community connectivity. This involves fundamental shifts in how we conceptualize urban spaces with an emphasis on human-centric design principles.
Transforming the city’s design ethos involves advocating for changes in urban planning policies, collaborating with municipalities, developers, and designers to integrate urban design principles at every stage of development. By fostering dialogue and raising awareness about the importance of urban design, we can catalyze a shift towards more inclusive, people-oriented environments that reflect the vibrant culture and diverse identities of Los Angeles.