Description

Los Angeles is a city of instant recognition. The thirteen buildings of Iconic LA, identifiable the world over, demonstrate the personality and power of Los Angeles as a major metropolis. Their stories are the story of a city in progress, an urban biography that tells a century’s worth of history.

Like characters in a movie, each of these buildings has played a role in an unfolding human drama complete with intrigue, political struggle, tragedy and triumph. The architect of the Bradbury Building accepted the commission after consulting a Ouija board and was inspired by futuristic novel written in the late 1800’s. Ironically, the Bradbury received popular exposure in the 1984 futuristic-noir film, Bladerunner.

The Jetson-style LAX Theme Building provides an indelible image of one of the world’s busiest airports. On the surface it symbolizes a modern outlook but what is not so apparent is the poignant story of Paul Williams, one of Los Angeles most important African-American architects and his success in difficult social times.

Though Los Angeles is famous for its ‘stars,’ it has long denied the achievement of one of its foremost architectural celebrities: Frank Gehry. His Disney Concert Hall has suffered criticism, public apathy and political frustration. In 1999, construction finally began on what will arguably be the City’s most visible and popular landmarks.

From its dusty beginnings as a mission outpost and rail stop to its status as the ultimate urban laboratory, the climate, open land and the lack of entrenched tradition have always and will continue to contribute to the potential for innovation and invention in this land sometimes called Eden.

Description of book: A large format, hardcover, 9 x 11-1/2 lushly illustrated book with lively histories of 13 of LA’s most iconic buildings. More than striking urban landmarks, these buildings have become symbolic of the entire city of Los Angeles yet few people know the real stories behind them.  Buildings include the LAX theme building, City Hall, and Graumann’s Chinese.