Miyako Gardens provides 90 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom units of HUD subsidized housing to the elderly in the heart of the densely-populated Japanese community in downtown Los Angeles. The project conveys a sensitive reflection of the immediate environment which combines urban, high-rise commercial with the intimacy of an adjacent Buddhist Temple. The stepped up form of the building from 2 to 5 stories maximizes sunlight penetration into the central courtyard while maintaining a low, human scale and respecting the temple at the front street side. Parking is located beneath the building allowing for additional landscaped and open space.