Dezeen School Shows: a board game that explores life in Los Angeles, USA, is included in this school show by students at University of Southern California.

Also included is a church which is has been reimagined as a community playground and a pavilion featuring design elements inspired by local community and culture.

University of Southern California

Institution: University of Southern California
School: School of Architecture
Course: ​​ARCH402/705
Tutor: Kevin Sherrod

School statement:

"The following four projects are a selection from a vertical topic studio under the direction of faculty member Kevin Sherrod; the topic studio includes undergraduate architecture students in their fourth year of study and graduate architecture students in their final year of study at the University of Southern California.

"The Money Train: The Last Mile introduces an innovative approach to upcycling Los Angeles's Metro rail system by utilising it as both a transportation resource for commuters and a food delivery network.

"This semester, the studio is focusing on the last mile of metro users' journeys, investigating what goods, services and programs can enhance the travel experience for commuters as they head home.

"The studio has identified underutilised church properties, in collaboration with Logos Faith Development, as temporary community hubs along the users' journeys.

"Churches were chosen for communal familiarity for accessing information, goods and services. The studio's programming includes grocery stores, libraries, cafes and internet bars, among other offerings.

"The studio's formal exploration aims to critically examine the aesthetics of the familiar by introducing transient figures.

"This approach creates a formal entanglement in which spatial proximity is shared, making it difficult to describe each figure independently."

Games Played by Aliya Formeloza and Jianghui (Jack) Qu

"The Game of LA Life explores what it means to design safe spaces for adults and children to learn, gather, play and rest.

"Drawn from the rich heritage of Los Angeles, the project uses cultural artefacts and nostalgic board games to invite curiosity and community engagement.

"It creates an immersive experience to explore the diverse communities of each city district while engaging in meaningful learning.

"Beyond the game, the project uses playfulness as a tool for building a collaborative environment where the community can engage in mutual support, creative exchange and sharing resources and services – reflecting the spirit of LA."

Students: Aliya Formeloza and Jianghui (Jack) Qu
Course: Vertical studio (combined undergrad and grad student topic studio): The Money Train – The Last Mile
Tutor: Kevin Sherrod

Reflective Growth by Aliza Rosenkranz and Catherine Acosta

"The project invites visitors to walk along the path of a mirrored pavilion that invites self-observation.

"Subtly curved reflective surfaces capture and echo the vibrant colours, patterns and textures inspired by the local culture, creating an interplay between personal and communal identity.

"Serving as both a literal and symbolic lens, the design highlights marginalised communities often overlooked within the urban fabric.

"As users interact with the space, they encounter reflections of themselves and others, cultivating a shared sense of belonging and interconnectedness.

"The design imagines architecture as a platform for social reflection, empowering communities to observe, recognise and celebrate the diverse identities that shape their shared environment."

Students: Aliza Rosenkranz and Catherine Acosta
Course: Vertical studio (combined undergrad and grad student topic studio): The Money Train – The Last Mile
Tutor: Kevin Sherrod

PLAYxBOOKo: Revitalising a Church as a Community Playground by Delaney Ryan and Christopher Paliungas

"In a community with a significant lack of open park space and recreation opportunities, this project reimagines the vacant Heavenly Vision Church as an interior playscape.

"Inspired by the X's and O's of childhood games and sports playbooks, the forms encourage kids to interact, explore and play.

"The house shapes reflect the surrounding neighbourhood, positioning the space as an extension of the community.

"Similarly, many of the main iconic church elements were retained, such as the arched opening and stained-glass windows, to maintain its status as a central gathering space and symbol of togetherness in the community."

Students: Delaney Ryan and Christopher Paliungas
Course: Vertical studio (combined undergrad and grad student topic studio) – The Money Train: The Last Mile
Tutor: Kevin Sherrod

Soundscape by Macintyre Schnell and Janette De Los Santos

"Soundscape reimagines the landscape by capturing a moment in music, creating a space where Watt can sing.

"Musical rhythms shape the layout of the landscape, giving it a natural flow that resonates with sound.

"The central performance stage encourages expression through both music and movement, while the interactive elements inspire children to produce their own art, whether through sound, movement or visual creation.

"This vibrant, community-focused space seamlessly blends music, art and play, inviting children to explore, learn and perform in an environment where imagination and creativity come together."

Students: Macintyre Schnell and Janette De Los Santos
Course: Vertical studio (combined undergrad and grad student topic studio): The Money Train – The Last Mile
Tutor: Kevin Sherrod

Partnership content

This school show is a partnership between Dezeen and University of Southern California. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.

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