Rancho Los Amigos

The Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center project includes several structures - renovation and extension to the existing inpatient hospital, a new outpatient building, a parking structure and a new Wellness & Aquatics Center - all blending seamlessly into one cohesive campus. The complex, in operation since 1888, is owned and operated by the County of Los Angeles. It is located on the northern portion of a 212-acre historic campus, to the southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Drawing inspiration from the rich history of Rancho Los Amigos and a historic mission-style building on-site, the structures encircle a central plaza defining the heart of this campus. An iconic tower references this architectural language while emphasizing the campus’ central core and providing wayfinding cues. 

The first phase of construction resulted in a parking structure and new Wellness & Aquatic Therapy Center, including a new therapy pool, which increases Rancho Los Amigos’ capacity to provide physical therapy. Additional Phase I work entails the hospital extension and renovation, medical outpatient building, warehouse and site and infrastructure improvements. A central plaza defines the heart of the campus. A glazed concourse lines the plaza, connecting these functions and providing areas of rest every 150 feet. Sliding walls and gardens contribute to a park-like atmosphere that blurs the boundaries between inside and out. Drawing inspiration from the area’s diverse cultural history and a historic Mission Revival building on-site, an undulating, perforated metal scrim recalls the texture of traditional stucco and terracotta roofing tiles while providing shade for visitors, staff and patients. The center’s outdoor looping pathways and a series of interconnected gardens reference the weaving therapy that Rancho Los Amigos became known for around the turn of the century.