Harlem West Oakland
Aric Hope & Evangelina Shutko
Jazz in West Oakland carries deep historical and cultural significance, tracing back to the early 20th century when West Oakland emerged as a vibrant center for African American life and artistic expression.
The Harlem West Oakland Jazz Center, housed in the historic 16th Street Train Station, breathes new life into this landmark as a dynamic venue celebrating jazz and Afrofuturist arts. Within the center, recording studios, classrooms, exhibition galleries, and welcoming gathering spaces foster a hub for professional musicians and artists and curious newcomers alike.
The new architectural vision introduces fresh performance spaces of varying scales, from intimate corners to communal stages. Drawing inspiration from the dynamic nature of jazz venues and theatrical drama, the design incorporates a prominent ramp and a flowing, horizontal curtain like feature that evokes the drama and movement of live performances and music. These bold, colorful, and expressive elements seamlessly blend into the historic architecture, enhancing its classic features.
The Harlem West Oakland Jazz Center invites the community to connect, celebrate, learn, and dance, preserving the rich cultural legacy of jazz for future generations and solidifying West Oakland’s place as a vital cultural destination.