UNCOMMON INSIGHTS

In the heart of California, nestled within the California Armenian Home campus, lay a forgotten area, disregarded by most. This space yearned for purpose, eagerly awaiting a chance to be reborn. Once barren and uninviting, it served as a reminder of emptiness, in stark contrast to the lively and inviting atmosphere surrounding it. Yet, despite its barren demeanor, this space held great promise, ready to be transformed into something extraordinary, bringing vitality to its previously cold and unused expanse.

The Challenge

Before the transformation, the courtyard within one of the original buildings of the California Armenian Home stood as a vast expanse of white walls and empty space, devoid of purpose or vitality. Its potential lay dormant, waiting for a touch of creativity and vision to bring it to life. Despite its central location, it was mostly disregarded and avoided by both residents and visitors who found little reason to spend time there.

The Vision

Recognizing the untapped potential of this forgotten space, the Ani Guild, a dedicated group of volunteers, approached Dennis Bacopulos, the CEO of the California Armenian Home, with an idea to transform the courtyard into a vibrant hub of activity. Their mission was clear: to breathe new life into this neglected space, to create a haven where residents could gather, socialize, and find solace.

Embracing the challenge with enthusiasm and determination, Dennis Bacopulos shared his vision with our design team—a vision that called for bold creativity, cultural reverence, and a deep sense of purpose. Inspired by his passion and commitment, our team at JD+A set out to translate this vision into reality, to embark on a journey of transformation that would redefine the very essence of the courtyard.

The Design Process

One of the concepts Dennis had shared was the idea of painting a large, vividly colored graphic on one of the stark white walls. The team ran with the idea and knew we didn’t just want a generic graphic. And so we delved into the intricate tapestry of Armenian culture, searching for ideas to bring depth and purpose to the courtyard. Our research brought us to the Forget-me-not, a delicate flower imbued in deep meaning in Armenian tradition. It serves as a powerful symbol of the nation's shared history and strength in overcoming adversaries. The flower had been selected to symbolize that “we always remember our national sorrow of 1915.”

Guided by this cultural touchstone, we set about conceptualizing a design that would pay homage to Armenian heritage while breathing new life into the courtyard's empty walls. Drawing upon the vibrant hues and intricate patterns found in Armenian art and architecture, we crafted a vision that spoke to the soul of the community—a vision that would transform the courtyard into a living canvas of color and creativity.

Finding the Artist

In our quest to find the perfect artist to bring our vision to life, serendipity intervened in the form of a casual office conversation. Paula, one of our team members, shared images of her husband's work—a local artist whose talent and passion for mural painting captured our imagination. His portfolio, filled with vibrant murals and striking designs, resonated deeply with our vision for the courtyard, prompting us to eagerly share his name and work with our client.

The decision to enlist Hayden Keeley as the artist for the mural was met with unanimous enthusiasm—a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision. With his brush poised and creativity ablaze, Hayden embarked on a journey of artistic expression, infusing the courtyard with his unique blend of talent and inspiration.

The Impact: A Space Transformed

The transformation of the courtyard was a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and community spirit. Where once stood cold, lifeless walls now bloomed a tapestry of color and culture, each stroke of Hayden's brush breathing new life into the once-forgotten space.

Today, the courtyard stands as a beacon of hope and renewal—a testament to the transformative power of art and community. No longer a forgotten corner of the California Armenian Home campus, it has become a vibrant hub of activity and connection and a Red Bench space, drawing residents and visitors alike to its welcoming embrace.

This transformation has a profound effect that goes beyond the physical world, touching the hearts and souls of those who experience it. It has replaced indifference with happiness, and solitude with a sense of belonging. The courtyard, previously a representation of emptiness, now stands as a testament to strength, revival, and the unwavering resilience of the human spirit.

Through the combined efforts of the Ani Guild, Dennis Bacopulos’ visionary leadership, our design team at JD+A, and the talented artist Hayden Keeley, what was once a forgotten space has been reborn—a vibrant oasis of life and beauty in the heart of California. The transformed courtyard now serves as a Red Bench space, a concept that encourages community gathering and connection. As Dennis Bacopulos states, 'The transformation of the courtyard has profoundly impacted our residents and visitors. The result is better than I could have hoped for.’ As we reflect on this remarkable journey of transformation, it’s a powerful reminder of collaboration and the incredible results that can be achieved when passion, purpose, and creativity converge in the pursuit of a shared vision. If you'd like to learn more about how JD+A can help bring your vision to life, we invite you to contact our design team today.