PROJECT STATEMENT
Cooking and Smoking examines architecture through production, material, ritual, and the systems that bring them together.
The site is located in Vernon, a city within Los Angeles. In the latter half of the 1800s, Vernon was renowned for its parks, orange groves, and gardens. It was viewed by its residents as a haven from the rapid growth and development of nearby Los Angeles. Initially, this unincorporated area featured schools, churches, and a park with tree-lined paths. It was known for its residential neighborhoods, where early inhabitants cherished their independent, idyllic community. However, Vernon quickly transitioned from a garden city to an industrial hub due to the increasing population in Southern California and the rise of manufacturing, food processing, and warehousing sectors.
The project re-envisions the distillery as a modern urban facility in Los Angeles, reviving the cultural and urban vibrancy that once characterized the area. The distillery is designed as a series of modular spaces that facilitate cultural production, education, and exploration, creating an open and adaptable environment. The straightforward concrete frame provides a foundation for showcasing
traditional mezcal-making. The building’s components integrate into a cohesive whole through transparencies, openings, and spatial connections.