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District on High fosters a sense of place, belonging, and collective identity

Studio Antares A + E

Hospitality  /  Future
Studio Antares A + E

Settlling into a post-pandemic life, the waning allure of big cities has afforded many to explore the charm of smaller communities and find respite from the ever-increasing cost of living. The ability to embrace the digital age and the interconnectedness it brings allows individuals to prioritize a fulfilling lifestyle without sacrificing urban amenities.

District on High seeks to infuse new life into main street in Moorpark, CA. while preserving its cherished character. The approach to the revitalization effort densifies the interstices of the city's spaces. The design creates a harmonious integration of new structures that respect the scale, materiality, and context of the urban fabric, while introducing contemporary forms that propel the town towards a dynamic future.

Repurposing a parking lot currently nestled between three existing restaurants, sits a thoughtfully crafted 15,000-square-foot venue that functions as a catalyst for social interaction and shared experiences. It creates an environment that functions as a neighborhood hub and invites visitors to engage with their surroundings.

The main entrance is situated on High Street, Moorpark’s main street, between the existing restaurants. The design ensures optimal comfort - an operable canopy above the bar area, forming a semi-covered dining patio, elegantly diffuses the sunlight and creates a welcoming ambiance. The required mall parking area, at the secondary Magnolia Street can be transformed into a food truck court for special occasions, allowing the space to accommodate events ranging in size.

The project is crafted around a design that considers the concept of porous urban density and fosters vibrant community gathering spaces.As the three existing restaurants would be retained, the design for District on High would create three new additional food and drink stations located at the back of the lot.

Understanding the significance of community cohesion and the importance of flexibility and adaptability in a space that caters to a community with ranging interests, the design emphasizes the creation of gathering spaces within the venue.

The focal point is a circular counter, serving as a communal hub during the day and transforming into a spirited bar at night, welcoming interaction and cultivating a convivial atmosphere. Surrounding the counter is a spacious dining patio, meticulously designed to accommodate families and individuals, providing them with a comfortable and inviting setting to enjoy meals, exchange stories, and build lasting connections. A glazed lounge, facing the circular counter, serves as a versatile space that can act as an improvised stage to host small live performances. Shaded by large trees, a small lawn sits off to the side for children’s activities.

The revitalization of main streets is a welcomed effort, long overdue. By redefining urban density, it creates a tapestry of interconnected spaces that celebrate community and nurture the human experience. Working diligently to preserve and honor the area’s historic charm, District on High was created as a venue that not only addresses the evolving needs of modern society but also fosters a sense of place, belonging, and collective identity.

Credits

 Moorpark, CA
 16696
 100GROUP
 Restaurant / bar / outdoor family dining and gathering
 12/2024
 1500 sq. m
 Confidential
 Studio Antares A + E
 Pavel Getov (Principal in Charge), Alexandrina S. Getov (Principal), Tom Szymanski, Priscila Villalpando, Vladlen Zolnikov, Erika Viado (Design Team)
 Brodersen Associates (Landscape Design), CCE Design Associates, Inc (Topographic Survey), Luminesce Design (Lighting)
 Studio Antares A+E, COCOON Studio

Curriculum

Studio Antares A+E is a collaborative practice with aim on integration of architecture, arts and environment through emphasis on advanced methods of project delivery. We operate in a think-tank type of environment assembling team of experts for the particular needs of each job. Based in Los Angeles, California and practicing throughout the United States and around the world, we strive to understand the specific cultural context of each task that we undertake and to find a unique solution for each particular challenge.

http://www.studio-antares.com


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