Design and Architecture

<p>When experimental art was "happening" in post-war LA, so too was design, craft and architecture. Pacific Standard Time is showcasing it all....</p>

Chris Nichols and Christopher Hawthorne on preservation and the fight over Richard Neutra's Kronish House. Plus, Jonathan Louie and others "Rethink LA."

<p>"Is the world ready for a toilet with its own foot warmer, heated seat, bidet washlet and built-in music system, all controlled by a touch-screen remote?"</p>

<p>Can you design a great park by committee? Also, Japanese design, on display at Dwell on Design and Little Tokyo Design Week. Plus, the new Los Angeles Design Festival.</p>

<p>Rockstar's newest video game turns the gamer into a methodical detective in a hyper-realistic recreation of L.A. in 1947. How did they do it and will they please fans?</p>

<p>Street art gets the spotlight in a huge MOCA show. Also, Artecnica-Homeboy Industries' "quote" bag collaboration to give a voice to the graffiti work of ex-gang members.</p>

<p>A wow factor without waste, SF MOMA's <em>How Wine Became Modern</em>, Facebook's design "hackathon," and engineering to withstand catastrophe.</p>

<p>What’s in a frock? Schlock, horror, and much more, when it’s designed by the <strong>Mulleavy Sisters</strong> of Rodarte. Join <strong>Kate and Laura Mulleavy</strong> as they discuss creating the ballet costumes for Oscar-nominated <em>Black Swan</em>, their upcoming MOCA show and their fall line. Also, <strong>Cathy Whitlock</strong> on the sets that tell a story and <strong>Nick Verreos</strong> on the movie costumes you can see in the flesh. And a visit with <strong>Jerome and Evelyn Ackerman</strong>, on a life of love and creativity, now on display in the Craft and Folk Art Museum's <em>Marriage of Craft and Design.</em> </p> <div> </div>

<p>High Line designers Diller Scofidio + Renfro have unveiled their "veiled" new Broad Museum for Grand Avenue. But can architecture alone fix what ails Grand Avenue? Find out from architect <strong>Elizabeth Diller</strong>, critic <strong>Sam Lubell</strong> and Councilwoman <strong>Jan Perry</strong>. Plus, science researcher <strong>Richard Seymour</strong> on the dirty story of rare earths, hidden behind our clean technologies and glistening gadgets. And Art Center's <strong>Tim Durfee</strong> on the show that explores how fantasy feeds real world design.</p>

<p>2010 was hard on the design and construction industry in LA. But at the end of a difficult year, <em>DnA</em> looks at the upside and finds the place with "no there there" uniting around a quest for community. LA design experts share their favorite projects. Later, design by women for women at the Downtown Women’s Center. Finally, designer Raul Rodriguez, and others discuss the collective design spirit that animates the Rose Parade.</p>

<p>The quintessential American car is large and luxurious, but one Detroit giant hopes to change that perception. GM designer <strong>Niki Smart</strong> talks about rethinking the Cadillac for urban centers. Then, LA Metro’s <strong>Paul Taylor</strong> discusses an LA-Beijing alliance aimed at getting people out of their cars. In the second half of the program, the new home of the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust in Pan Pacific Park has opened. <strong>Bobbye Tigerman</strong> recounts her grandfather’s role in founding the museum, and architect <strong>Hagy Belzberg</strong> explains how he uses design to educate young Angelenos about that atrocity.</p>

<p>After a lengthy and costly redesign process, Gap unveiled a new logo, to outrage from customers. So they went back to the old one. Frances Anderton talks with branding consultant <strong>Sasha Strauss</strong> and graphic designer <strong>Michael Hodgson</strong> about logos. Also, industrial designer <strong>Yves Béhar</strong> on a Herman Miller chair for our times.<br /><br /></p>

<p>Renzo Piano's new Resnick Pavilion opens soon at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. <strong>LACMA director Michael Govan</strong> discusses how it fits into his art and architecture vision for the campus, and architecture writer <strong>Sam Lubell</strong> explains why Piano is the go-to architect for so many art museums. Plus, <strong>Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa</strong>, <strong>Stewart Reed</strong> and <strong>Amanda Bromberg</strong> discuss CicLAvia, biomorphic bikes and the joys and challenges of urban cycling in LA.</p>

<p><span class="Apple-style-span"><strong>John Leighton Chase</strong> was a fantastic character and dear friend to many. He also worked below the radar to make a profound impact on West Hollywood, where he was urban designer. John died suddenly last week at the age of 57. Frances Anderton remembers him with <strong>Ann McIntosh</strong> of the City of West Hollywood; <strong>Richard Loring</strong>, developer; <strong>Alan Hess</strong>, architecture historian; <strong>Margaret Crawford</strong>, professor of architecture. Also, we get under the surface of <em>Mad Men's</em> costumes with Emmy-nominated costume designer<strong> Janie Bryant</strong>.</span></p>

<p><span class="Apple-style-span">What's the connection between a new fan and a house in Malibu? Airplane technology. Find out when Frances Anderton talks to <strong>James Dyson</strong> about his new air multiplier, and to <strong>David Hertz</strong> about a house made of a mothballed Boeing 747. Plus, California Design and a conversation with <strong>Rose Apodaca, Alissa Walker</strong> and <strong>Stewart Reed</strong> about what you'll find at the new Biennial at the Pasadena Museum of California Art. </span></p>

<p>Los Angeles is a hot place and the sun can be dangerous, but LA has a puzzling aversion to shade. Find out why with <strong>Jane Houlihan, Emily Green, James Rojas</strong> and <strong>Lorcan O’Herlihy</strong>. Also, <strong>Christopher Hawthorne</strong> and <strong>Coralie Garandeau</strong> discuss Eli Broad’s latest project and why the French find him fascinating. And <strong>Michael Sylvester</strong> has the highlights at Dwell On Design.</p>

<p>Today on DnA, oil, plastic and the stuff that surrounds us. As oil spills into the gulf, we examine our dependence on products derived from petrochemicals, with <strong>Chris Lefteri</strong>, <strong>Sara Banaszak,</strong> <strong>Carla Denker</strong> and <strong>Kevin Hanley</strong>. Also, a look at an icon of the oil age: the newly renovated LAX Theme Building, with guests <strong>Scott Markle</strong>, <strong>Millard Lee</strong> and Alastair Gordon.</p>

<p>The Apple brand has become so powerful that its Manhattan store is a tourist landmark. What's the secret to turning customers into devotees? <strong>Andrew Blum</strong> and <strong>Sasha Strauss</strong> join Frances Anderton for a discussion on Apple-worship and the art of branding.</p>

<p>Victor Drai, back in LA with a glam new namesake club, on top of the W Hotel, says you can't have a good nightclub without good design. We speak with Drai and young club designer Christian Schulz about LA clubs and how you go about designing a "vibe." Also, Glendale looks for a curator of art for its recession-hit storefronts, and structural engineer Nabih Youssef on LA buildings and their readiness for a Chile-scale earthquake.</p>

<p>Ebooks may transmit words but can they furnish a room? We hear from Taschen's <strong>Josh Baker</strong> and Nook designer <strong>Robert Brunner</strong> about ebooks, the iPad and whether they can upstage the coffee table book. Plus,  <strong>Rose Apodaca</strong> remembers fashion designer Alexander McQueen, and <strong>Kimberli Meyer</strong> explains how artists are re-conceptualizing some LA billboards.</p>

<p>Haiti's catastrophe has killed thousands and destroyed Port-au-Prince, once a jewel in the Caribbean. We look at the architecture past, present and -- possibly -- future in Haiti's heart. Is there a design solution to the desperate need for low-cost housing in overpopulated cities? Can good design trump political mayhem? We hear from experts here and from Haiti: historian <strong>Patrick Sylvain</strong>, Architecture for Humanity's founder <strong>Cameron Sinclair</strong>, Global Green's <strong>Ted Bardacke</strong>, <strong>Alejandra Lillo</strong>, co-creator of Make It Right, and others.</p>

<p>A decade of design and architecture is drawing to a close. How did we do? Hear from <strong>Dan Neil</strong> on the everyday object that trumps Twitter, <strong>Dakota Smith</strong> on how LA's ugliest structure made a Best Buildings list, Otis president <strong>Sammy Hoi</strong> on the state of LA's "creative economy" and <strong>Alissa Walker</strong> with some design and architecture books that capture the moment.</p>

<p>Can architecture change the perception, and practice, of policing? We learn about the fancy new precinct stations in LA. Plus <strong>Keenen Wayans</strong> and his 16,000 square feet "sustainable" house, and City Councilman <strong>Kevin McKeown</strong> makes the case for an Eli Broad art museum in Santa Monica.<br /><br /></p>

<p>You don't hear much about design in the healthcare reform debate, but the way a hospital is planned may affect the way you heal. We hear about the "hospital of the future," under construction in the Southland. Plus, advice on scarifying creations for Halloween from <em>Where the Wild Things Are</em> and from two Los Angeles window dressers.</p>

<p>The LAUSD's new flagship arts high school opened last week. Will this icon for the underserved enable creativity? We hear about it from architect <strong>Wolf Prix</strong>, <strong>Rex Patton</strong>, some students and others. Also, we hear about the real (M)ad Men, from filmmaker <strong>Doug Pray</strong>. Plus, <strong>Ken Bernstein</strong> tells us why the city is surveying every single building in LA. <br /><br /></p>

<p>When the recession hits Los Angeles architect <strong>Richard Best</strong>, what sensible path does he follow? He joins a reality show. Hear his amazing story. Plus, <strong>Scott Neustadter</strong> talks about <em>(500) Days of Summer</em>'s love affair with LA architecture; and <strong>James Harris</strong> on the secret history of the 100-year-old Santa Monica Pier.</p>

<p><strong>Julius Shulman</strong>, architectural photographer whose seductive images sold California Midcentury Modern architecture and its lifestyle around the world, died on July 15 at the age of 98. We celebrate his legacy with recollections from some of the people who knew him -- <strong>Dion Neutra, Craig Krull, Juergen Nogai, Eric Bricker, Ann Videriksen, Frank Gehry</strong> and <strong>Elizabeth Armstrong</strong> -- as well as pithy taped commentary from Shulman himself.</p> <p>In an online exclusive bonus, KCRW's very own <strong>Eric J. Lawrence</strong> talks about the best spaces in Los Angeles for free summertime concerts, and <strong>Dana Cuff</strong> talks about WPA 2.0, a competition open to anyone who wants to offer up an imaginative vision for new infrastructure in our post-industrial age.</p>

<p>Some of the most interesting new design in LA is going on in public space. Frances Anderton speaks with architecture critic <strong>Chris Hawthorne</strong>, landscape designer <strong>Mia Lehrer</strong> and architect <strong>Frederick Fisher</strong> about the public spaces and places to see this summer. Plus, <strong>Karen Ginsberg</strong> on a bright new future for Santa Monica's public conveniences, and <strong>Benny Chan</strong> on LA from 1000 feet.<br /><br /></p>

<ol><li> <p>The vacuum, the washing machine and, now, the hand-dryer...industrial designer <strong>Sir James Dyson</strong> talks about his ongoing mission to keep ourselves and the rest of the world clean. <strong>Dennis Hathaway</strong> explains the fight against LA's "visual pollution," and we hear from a group of artists who are "upcycling" garbage into poetry.</p> <p> </p> </li></ol>

<p>The economic crash has brought a decade of lavish “icon”-building to a halt. Does this mean an architecture of “excess” will be replaced by one of “relevance?” Frances Anderton speaks with <strong>Frank Gehry</strong> and Architecture for Humanity’s <strong>Cameron Sinclair</strong>.</p> <p> </p>

<p>Los Angeles has long been a magnet for architects and designers but the slump has hit them hard. Can they find creative solutions? We hear about the ups and downs of the downturn, and the lure of the virtual building site.</p>

<p>The creator of fantasy cities also likes building the real thing. <strong>George Lucas</strong>, patron of the USC's <a class="external-link" href="http://cinema.usc.edu/">School of Cinematic Arts</a> on buildings on screen and in reality. <strong>David Rockwell</strong>, designer of the Oscars telecast, on how they'll make the show sparkle. And friends of <strong>Frank Gehry</strong> offer tributes as he meets a major milestone.</p>

Today, the Obamas take Washington. What does this mean for design and architecture? Join DnA today to hear from <b>Todd Boyd,</b> AKA The Notorious Ph’d, on the first couple’s “cool” style; Hello Beautiful’s <b>Edward Lifson</b> on lessons learned from Chicago; <b>Dan Neil</b> on how to dress up a tank as a presidential limo; and <b>Diana Dorrans Saeks</b> on new White House designer Michael Smith.

<p>As mass-produced goods overwhelm us, people are returning to the handmade. Frances Anderton speaks with <strong>Jenny Ryan</strong>, <strong>Catherine Bailey</strong>, <strong>William Stranger</strong> and <strong>Brooke Hodge</strong> about Felt Club, Heath Ceramics and raw wood. Plus, <strong>Ron Woodson</strong> and <strong>Jaime Rummerfield</strong> on low-cost high-style at a holiday party. And <strong>Alissa Walker</strong> "raps" up the year in <em>DnA</em>.</p>

<p>Barack Obama will be the first president to hail from a major metropolis in a long time. What does this mean for architecture and design? Plus, James Bond and his relationship with Modern architecture.<br /><br /></p>

<p><strong>Shepard Fairey</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>and<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Robbie Conal</strong>, who have kicked up a storm with their political posters, discuss using design to send a message. Plus, the Gamble House turns 100, a conversation with director<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><strong>Ted Bosley</strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>about the Greene & Greene brothers' "new and native beauty."</p> <p> </p>

<p>Angelenos are building benches for bus stops in South Los Angeles; clearing trash and landscaping neglected strips of land and covertly planting trees on sidewalks. <strong>Jay Griffith, Mr. Stamens, Roly Poly</strong> and others discuss the "guerrilla" design of public space in Los Angeles. Plus, a leading LA design company opens its doors to locals.</p>

<p><em>DnA</em> looks at the opening next month of the new Broad Stage and the remodeled Mark Taper Forum. Plus, <strong>Alex McDowell</strong> on how computers are changing the way films are designed, and <strong>Liz Farrelly</strong> on her favorite authentic inauthentic space.</p>

<p>This week, we look at the architecture of big ideas, in LA past and China present.</p>

<p>With gas prices and congestion getting worse, is it time to trade in your car for a two-wheeler? Plus, Charles and Ray Eames get the USPS stamp of approval.</p>

<p>New technologies are changing our lives so fast it's dizzying. How can designers help? Find out when Frances Anderton talks with <strong>Paola Antonelli</strong> about <em>Design and the Elastic Mind</em>. We also hear from "elastic" minded architect <strong>Greg Lynn</strong> about his <em>Blobwall Pavilion</em> and building materials of tomorrow. Plus, new uses for building materials of the past, as the ReUse People open in Pacoima.</p>

<p>Richard Neutra's famed Kaufmann House in Palm Springs goes on the block in May, to be auctioned off in Christie's Fine Art sale. What does this mean? Plus, an update on a classic Disneyland ride.</p>

<p>Comme des Garçons has opened a temporary "guerrilla" store downtown. New York's Storefront for Art and Architecture is touching down on Sunset for a month. What's going on with high-style, low-impact design outlets? Plus, AD seeks new design talent, Fritz Haeg attacks the suburban front lawn, and California design goes on display.</p>

<p>It's by a blue-chip architect and filled with blue-chip contemporary art. So how is the new BCAM at LACMA? Find out when we talk to <strong>Renzo Piano</strong>, <strong>Michael Govan</strong> and others. Plus, where should you eat in LA if you want to be heard?</p>

<p>The message behind the architecture of America's new embassies, and the fashion industry's efforts to legislate against piracy. Plus, LA hardware stores and why women love them.</p>

<p>Toys may be made in China but many are designed in Los Angeles. We visit the Otis College Department of toy design. Plus, a conversation with <strong>Thom Mayne</strong> and other LA architects who are "Making It Right" with Brad Pitt in New Orleans. We'll also go design shopping with "The Scout," <strong>David A. Keeps</strong>.</p>

<p>Is your idea of California living Romantic Spanish or Cool Modern? Hear from <b>Diane Keaton</b> and others about the quintessential LA home. Plus, hot wheels at the LA Auto Show and hot colors at Wilshire and Vermont.<br /></p>

<p>LA loves fashion but its Fashion Week rarely makes waves. Could this be the Week it does? Also, green machines for living in, design Japan-style, great houses of LA's Gilded Age, and a tribute to Herbert Muschamp.<br /></p>

<p>Can light be form or mass? We look at the art and architecture of light, with artist <b>James Turrell</b> and others. Plus, Hippy Modern Californian design, and a preservationist talks about falling in love with a building he fought against.<br /><br /></p>

<p>Can a high school be as enticing to teens as an iPod or a shopping center? Should it? Plus, microcars and Sprinkles Cupcakes.</p>