Inside Out is a three-year project sponsored by the Angelo Donghia Foundation which partners students of the Interior Design department at Woodbury University School of Architecture with small businesses in Los Angeles neighborhoods that have been disproportionally affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Through careful observation and documentation, students collaborate with the business owners to identify and understand what is unique and special about their business and interior space and conceptually pull them "Inside Out" to Covid-safe exterior spaces while preserving and celebrating their unique personality and characteristics. It is hoped that this project will inspire other small businesses and cities around the world to create authentic exterior experiences and encourage the communities that these businesses reside in to support them and recognize their importance in contributing to the unique character of the neighborhood.
Inside Out 2023
Inside Out 2022
Inside Out 2021
About studio 6
Sponsored by Angelo Donghia Foundation, Inc.
According to the Los Angeles Times, July 7th 2021, “The last 16 months have eviscerated California’s restaurant industry. One million jobs were lost, and as many as 30% of restaurants in the state were forced to permanently close due to the pandemic”. During the height of COVID-19, a city program named LA Al Fresco allowed restaurants to expand outdoor dining onto sidewalks, parking lots and sections of city streets. Now the city has made the LA Al Fresco program permanent. What can we do as designers to assist small businesses in interpreting guidelines and regulations so that they can continue to have a street presence while preserving their unique brands and personalities, providing for a new era of street life for Los Angeles?
Who: 12 undergraduate students and 2 professors have been working with 6 small business owners in West Adams, Los Angeles
About studio 6
Sponsored by Angelo Donghia Foundation, Inc.
According to the Los Angeles Times, December 11th, 2020, the damage to the live music industry in Los Angeles “was relentless and comprehensive, and it’s nowhere near over: tours grounded, beloved venues shuttered, layoffs made permanent and lifelong dreams vaporized.” What can we as designers do to support and celebrate these independent brands and their environments and help them survive and thrive during challenging times?
WHO: 5 undergraduate students, 6 master’s students, and 2 professors have been working with 5 small business owners in Inglewood in LA.
WHAT: to design an outdoor space and experience to support what they do
WHEN: Spring 2022
WHERE: Woodbury University, School of Architecture, Interior Design Department
About studio 6
Sponsored by Angelo Donghia Foundation, Inc.
According to the Los Angeles Times, May 16th, 2020, “About half of all small businesses are in danger of failing during the Pandemic”. What can we as designers do to support and celebrate these independent brands and their environments and help them survive and thrive during challenging times?
WHO: 6 undergraduate students, 2 master’s students, 2 professors, and 1 graphic designer have been working with 7 small business owners on Washington Blvd in LA
WHAT: to design an object/piece of furniture that would support what they do
WHEN: Spring 2021
WHERE: Woodbury University, School of Architecture, Interior Design Department