Animal Tower: Reimagining Veteran Community Space

Animal Tower: Reimagining Veteran Community Space
Situated within the Veterans Administration Campus in Los Angeles, the Animal Tower transforms a site of care, rehabilitation, and social reintegration into a striking vertical landmark. Inspired by Enzo Mari’s iconic mid-century “16 Animali” puzzle, the design interlocks abstract animal forms into a monumental concrete tower, creating a dialogue between playful imagination and the gravity of its social mission.
Each animal-shaped volume hosts a specific function—ranging from residential units, therapy spaces, and fitness facilities to theaters, outdoor parks, and dog training centers. These stacked programs are connected through the interlocking “legs” of the animal forms, producing visual corridors, shared terraces, and moments of interaction that encourage community bonding. The choice of a restrained concrete façade contrasts with the whimsical geometry, allowing the building’s “color” to emerge organically through the life, activity, and stories of its residents over time.
The project addresses the urgent needs of veterans and their service dogs, fostering an environment of companionship, resilience, and public engagement. Rising above the Los Angeles skyline, the Animal Tower serves as both a functional refuge and a cultural symbol—celebrating the healing power of architecture and reimagining how civic spaces can inspire connection and hope.