Attention Echo Park
Homelessness and the Housing Crisis
2019
Echo Park Lake, Los Angeles, CA
The 7 interpretive signs that surround Echo Park Lake are underutilized, not maintained, and as a result of poor design, under-viewed by visitors. I decided to re-envision these graphics, using the existing display structures to present an alternative usage of this interpretive signage for community education and dialogue around issues of homelessness and the housing crisis in the area. I collaborated on this project with a handful of people with lived experience of homelessness, housing advocates and creatives from the area.
Goals:
Educate park visitors about why folks are living in tents and cars around the lake.
Inspire neighborhood investment in ending homelessness through backing of Supportive Housing projects and auxiliary services in Echo Park.
Connect people experiencing homelessness at lake to local resources.
Audience:
Park visitors (local residents and tourists)
English and Spanish readers
Echo Park Rising festival attendees
Impact:
The new signage was installed them during the Echo Park Rising annual music festival in Echo Park to take advantage of the increase in foot traffic. Each artwork included a web address where visitors could learn more about homelessness and the housing crisis and how to get involved. The artwork was taken down by the Parks Department 8 days after opening.
In the 8 days the installation was up, the website received over 500 visits.
Media Attention:
Featured on KCRW's Design and Architecture Show social media.