We recently connected with Miho Asada and have shared our conversation below.
Miho, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
My most meaningful project was my architectural thesis project at Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc). The site I chose is the former Parker Center site which was two blocks of Little Tokyo before it was razed and combined into one large block for the new LAPD headquarters in the early 1950s. The building is now demolished, leaving an empty lot dividing Little Tokyo and Civic Center. My proposed design was an affordable housing project that aims to take back that block as part of Little Tokyo. The project offers permanent housing for the unhoused LGBTQ+ community, space for public use such as restrooms and a laundromat, and businesses like a pool hall and a jazz club as a call back to 1940s Little Tokyo.
Being Japanese American and growing up going to Little Tokyo, the neighborhood is very important to me. The thesis focused on speaking directly with community members to understand the actual needs of the neighborhood and what should go on that site. I started going to Little Tokyo Community Council meetings, joined the Little Tokyo Historical Society, and spoke with the Little Tokyo Service Center who is currently constructing a 100% affordable housing project next to the Parker Center site.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m an Architectural Designer who is focused on human-centric projects and designing for the community. I got into architecture by taking classes at community college while I was working full-time, then was eventually able to transfer to get a professional degree.
Outside of my architectural work, I like to volunteer my time to the Little Tokyo community through the Community Council, Historical Society, and Okaeri, a Japanese aNikkei LGBTQ+ Community.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
Being able to help others and make a living while enjoying what I’m doing every day is the most rewarding aspect of being a creative.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to do architectural work within affordable housing and get into policy to help with the housing crisis.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mihoasada/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083648974951
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miho-asada/
- Twitter: https://x.com/miho_asada
