Center for Occupation and Lifestyle Redesign®
The Center for Occupation and Lifestyle Redesign® is the world’s first center dedicated to the study of how everyday activities, or “occupations,” shape human health and well-being. Here, faculty and students:
- Analyze the evolution of human occupation from the Arts and Crafts era to today.
- Examine how occupational changes affect individuals physically, psychologically and spiritually.
- Synthesize research, education and clinical practice to discover what constitutes an optimal balance of work, rest and leisure.
- Customize intervention programs to help individuals achieve optimal living.
Architectural History
The Center for Occupation and Lifestyle Redesign makes its home in the historic Cockins House, located in the landmark North University Park Historic District. Designed and built in 1894 by the noted Los Angeles-based architectural firm of James H. Bradbeer and Walter Ferris, both the Cockins House and its “twin” on the opposite side of 27th Street were two of the firm’s earliest works. William and Sarah Cockins owned the three-story, 5,570-square-foot Queen Anne Victorian home until 1903 when ownership passed to Thomas P. Newton, who resided there until 1908.
In 1911, the house was converted to a duplex and in later decades served as a boarding house. It is rumored that during this time Charles Chaplin rented a room in the house — supposedly his first place of residence in Los Angeles. Additional boarders included USC students.
Over the years, the building fell into disrepair. Neighbors submitted paperwork to declare the building a state historical landmark, and on Feb. 1, 1991, the Cockins House was designated City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 519. USC formally acquired the building about this same time and refurbished its exterior in 1997. The then-USC Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy revitalized the historic home, and the Center for Occupation and Lifestyle Redesign opened its doors to academic and neighborhood communities in late 1999.
In the News
Florence Clark’s Ceremonial Opening Speech
Dec. 3, 1999
The Dawn of a New Era
Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Newsletter, Volume 1, 1999
USC’s Occupational Therapy Department Unveils New Center
USC News, Jan. 10, 2000
Center For Occupational Therapy and Lifestyle Redesign®
OT Practice, May 8, 2000
Something Old, Something New
USC Trojan Family Magazine, Winter 2001
Map
2653 South Hoover St.
Los Angeles, CA 90007
Driving Directions
10 (Santa Monica Freeway) East
- Exit at Hoover Street
- Turn right on Hoover Street
10 (Santa Monica Freeway) West
- Exit at Hoover Street
- Turn right from offramp
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5 (Golden State Freeway) South
- Transition onto 110 South
- Transition to 10 West
- Exit at Hoover Street
- Turn right from offramp
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110 (Harbor Freeway) South
- Transition to 10 West
- Exit at Hoover Street
- Turn right from offramp
- Turn right on Hoover Street
110 (Harbor Freeway) North
- Exit at Exposition Boulevard
- Turn right on Figueroa Street
- Turn left on Jefferson Boulevard
- Turn right on Hoover Street