15 places Architects must visit in Los Angeles

In a city where no 2 buildings are alike, the variety and acceptance of new styles is prominent in its skyline. Apart from being the hub of the cinematic universe, Los Angeles has attracted many famous architects too. With prominent architects like Richard Meier, Frank Gehry, and Richard Neutra establishing monumental structures across the skyline of Los Angeles, here are 15 places every architect must visit in LA.

1. Getty Centre

The Getty Centre designed by Richard Meier, is a clear amalgamation of site, intent and design. The circular stone-clad forms create a simple harmony, derived from the serene hilltop where it is situated. A vision in white travertine on a hilltop, Getty Centre also comprises of underground corridors and spaces that interconnect to create a smooth flow of circulation.

2. Walt Disney Concert Hall

One of Frank Gehry’s iconic creations, this concert hall is home to many local orchestras and musical entities. This titanium-clad unusual form has one of the most acoustically appropriate auditoriums that make it a dream to perform in. Fluid spaces form the core of the design while allowing natural light in.

3. Griffith Observatory

A true example of Art Deco Architecture, the public observatory consists of a massive domical structure and a plan based on astronomical observations and charts. The design was conceived by John C Austin and Frederick Ashley with the consultation of astronomer Russell Porter.

4.Bradbury Building

A fascinating example of uncanny architecture, this office building has featured in many movies, making it a tourist go-to. The building was designed by George H Wyman, a mere draughtsman at the time. The interiors are a rustic blend of metal, stone and brick, giving it a versatile character and visual marvel to gaze at.

5. Los Angeles County Museum of Arts

A great way to take in architectural principles at one place would be to visit LACMA, where a multitude of architects have designed galleries over epochs of lifetime.

6. Pacific Design Centre

A striking addition to the LA landmark, Pacific Design Centre is an arrangement of three striking buildings with eye-catching tinted façade systems. The complex was recently completed with the addition of the red building houses, offices, conference centers and parking.

7. Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels

The church is one of the early examples of postmodern-Deconstructivist architecture in LA. The spaces are a reflection of standing out from the conventional church design. Architect Rafael Moneo, describes the process to be breaking away from harmony and coherence.

8. St Basil Catholic Church

A conjugation of concrete slab forms with stained glass and iron grid separations, enclose this naturally lighted scared space. The character of rough concrete interiors gives the space a more public appeal, while achieving a contemporary form.

 

9. Wayferer’s Chapel

The chapel was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s son- Lloyd Wright, who was inspired by the context of the site. The ‘Glass’ church is a reflection of the idea of living amongst trees where, the walls and enclosure of which are defined by the mature redwood trees surrounding them.

10. Compton city hall and Civic Centre

The government facility is a true manifestation of majestic entrances and elaborated spaces. The dominant architectural features comprise of large floor to ceiling glass facades with concrete fins acting as solar shades. The building looks into the exquisite King’s Memorial.

11. Caltran’s District 7 Headquarters

Morphosis Architects composed this office space as a captivating exercise of workspaces blending with natural light and effortless circulation. The large structure comprises of aluminum paneled façade system, that is solar sensitive and manually operable.

12. Emerson College

An interesting approach to an educational institute is the design intervention of Morphosis Architects at this compact urban site in LA. The idea is that student’s residential spaces surrounds their learning spaces, which itself acts as a core to the whole composition. It is a vision in steel and complex geometry, reinterpreting educational spaces.

13. Lovell House

Richard Neutra’s architectural classic is a composition of stark asymmetrical planes with overlapping volumes and a seamless façade. The influence for the design derives from the Corbusier school of thought and Wright’s over bearing slabs, with Neutra encompassing the bulk of it into levels and projections.

14. Nuetra VDL Research house

Another of Neutra’s expansive houses, this structure is an unprecedented exploration of perceiving spaces with all the senses together. The striking factor of the beauty of the architecture is its seamless transformation from one place to another, while the water remains a constant touch-base.

15. Eames House

This house is a great example of incorporation of spaces with materials and technique. A must – visit as it interacts with the interior and exterior, with equal importance given to each and every sub-context.