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February 20, 2008
LAUSD Builds Tower in Tribute to the Past
With the near completion of the Central Los Angeles High School #9, or the LAUSD High School for the Visual and Performing Arts, on Grand Avenue more folks are talking about the architecture stylings of Coop Himmelblau and the monument to the arts that they’ve created. Driving along the 101, people have speculated as to the meaning and purpose of the tall structure that creates an entry along with the Cathedral bell tower across the 101.
Well, we’ve got our own crack research team based in LA and have found what we think maybe the inspiration for the swirling flourish that surrounds the tower-elevated meeting space that perches above downtown: the historic Bamboo Slides of the former Venice Pleasure Pier:
As you can see from this photo, there are striking similarities between it and the rendering above.
Others just don’t see the connection, and support the “Grand Entrance” off the 101 to the Grand Avenue Project between the two towers as seen below:
But, we see this as perhaps inspired by that Cabazon gateway known by so many heading to Palm Springs (and as seen below):
Yes, LAUSD is building this new high school in way that, no matter how you look at it, will be honoring the past. Now, if only they had something there to honor Fort Moore...
T-Rex photo from slworking2 via Flickr.
Bamboo Slide from the Herald Examiner archive via the Los Angeles Public Library
LAUSD HS#9 renderings from AIA Pasadena Foothills Chapter
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What a waste of money. We need to focus on reducing class size and more effective teaching, not cutting edge architecture. Bureaucracy at it's best.
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I was hoping it would be a roller coaster or a water slide.
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I'm all for good architecture in an educational environment. If the students are inspired to come to class and be proud of their school then it is a win. To often schools are cookie cutter soul sucking holes that no one wants to spend any time in.
Reducing class sizes in the high-school environment isn't going to repair 16 years of poor study skills or absent parental oversight.
James
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in response to #1
just playing devil's advocate: in order to reduce class-sizes in this district, new schools need to be built. if you're going to have to hire an architect to design the school anyway...why not have a artistic looking building to house one of the few art schools in the district?
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I still have contention with the location of these new schools, especially the ones near the freeway like the one on Wilton and Fernwood. This may look nice, but in terms of air quality. I don't think any of the kids will enjoy doing their mile lap near a freeway.