University of Southern California

Redesigning Lives. The Future of Healthcare

Center for Occupation & Lifestyle Redesign®

USC Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Center for 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 wellbeing in our society. Here, faculty and students:

  • Analyze occupation from the age of craft to the computer era.
  • 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 a program of lifestyle redesign to help individuals achieve that optimum.

Architectural History

The Center for Occupation and Lifestyle Redesign makes its home in the historic Cockins House. 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. This status was granted in 1991. USC formally acquired the building around this time and refurbished the exterior in 1997. The USC Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy takes pride in having revitalized this historic home into the Center for Occupation and Lifestyle Redesign.

The Center in the News

Dr. Clark’s Ceremonial Opening Speech
December 3, 1999

The Dawn of a New Era
Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Newsletter, Volume 1, 1999

USC’s Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Unveils New Center
USC News, January 10, 2000

Center For Occupational Therapy and Lifestyle Redesign
OT Practice, May 8, 2000

Directions

2653 Hoover Blvd, Los Angeles, California 90007

 


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  • From 10 Westbound: Exit Hoover. Right on Hoover Street.
  • From 10 Eastbound: Exit Hoover. Right on Hoover Street.
  • From 5 Southbound: Transition onto 110 Southbound. Exit Adams Boulevard. Right on Figueroa. Right on Adams Boulevard. Left on Hoover.
  • From 110 Southbound: Exit Adams Boulevard. Right on Figueroa. Right on Adams Boulevard. Left on Hoover.
  • From 110 Northbound: Exit Exposition. Right on Figueroa. Left on Jefferson Boulevard. Right on Hoover Street to 2653 Hoover.