Formosa 1140

Formosa 1140 completed in 2009 is a four story, 11 unit, multifamily housing project. Located in West Hollywood, California Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects has created what could be the future of contemporary multifamily dwellings. Lorcan O'Herlihy Architects, based in Los Angeles, California, has been in business for 20 years and has completed over 60 projects and been the recipient of over 42 Awards and was named the Los Angeles firm of the year by AIA California. Formosa 1140 was designed with the importance of combining private and public space in mind. The firm worked with the city of Los Angeles to create a "pocket park" which would hopefully bring the community closer together. The firm is hoping that with this example set, more firms will take on a similar mind set and create a series of pocket parks around the city. Lorcan O'Herlihy as stated on their website believes in designing, "balanced, holistic, integrated, sustainable built environments". In this project they have definitely succeeded. The exterior facade is more than just a series of bright enticing panels. The panels placement are to both create a choreographed effect along with blocking sun and wind in specific areas of the project. Each unit within the project is laid out so that it works to naturally circulate air through the units and create a large open communal space at the same time. Lorcan O'Herlihy has essentially redefined courtyard housing in this project.
  While this project would not be advantageous in many parts of the United States, or the world for that matter, in the area of West Hollywood it works nearly flawlessly. The project is eye catching and entertaining to look at. This is a great step away from typical multifamily dwellings where a developer finds the cheapest architect and slaps some stucco on the exterior and calls it a masterpiece. This project creates an experience for those living within the units and those walking through its park. I certainly hope Lorcan O'Herlihys' dreams of this new way of living becoming more commonplace comes true.