Design and Architecture

<p><span>Much of US manufacturing is being outsourced to the Chinese, but when it comes to architecture, they are hiring -- from the US and beyond. Plus, the iPhone and the Dreamliner, the Santa Monica Swim Center and remembering the late George Yu.</span></p>

<p><span>An eye-catching gas station at Olympic and Robertson has been certified as "green." Plus, refuse becomes wildlife at the Skirball Cultural Center.</span></p>

<p>The Los Angeles Philharmonic is revisiting the music of Stalin's Russia. We hear about Stalin's "Edifice Complex" and one American's experience as an architect working for the dictator. Plus, the Left Edge at New York's International Contemporary Furniture Fair. </p>

<p>The Southwest is in a drought. What does this mean for gardens in Los Angeles? Plus, Intelligent Living, the ugliest building in Los Angeles and a very popular typeface.</p>

<p>Furniture designers are hard at work in LA, but where do you find their creations? Plus, what is enlightened development?<br /></p>

<p>Will bamboo floors, denim insulation and solar power really make your house kinder to the earth? Hear what's really green and what's greenwashing in the growing business of sustainable design. While we are at it, we'll hear about the new "green" parking structure in Santa Monica, and plans for un-sustainable architecture in Abu Dhabi.<br /></p>

<p>The Apple iPhone and TV box, huge flat-screen TV's... it's been a good week for gadget-lovers. We hear about who's tops in the world of consumer electronics, and we'll hear from designer Yves Behar about the $100 laptop. Plus, Tijuana designers go on show, and a high quality building opens to Santa Monica's homeless. <br /></p>

<p>At this year's end it’s time for reflection. But some architects are looking ahead – way ahead – to Los Angeles, 2106. We’ll also hear from designers about artful books, "limited edition" gifts and an all-American holiday tradition.<br /></p>

<p> Sustainable cars, public parks and a transit system to make us proud? Could this be the LA you know? We hear from Grand Avenue Civic Park designer <b>Mark Rios</b> about visionary green spaces planned throughout the Southland. Plus, a bus-riding design writer reports on the makeover of the buses, and LA Times auto critic, <b>Dan Neil</b>, has news about radical cars coming up at the LA Auto show.</p>

<p><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span>Frances Anderton talks to the architects of the Griffith Observatory redesign.<span> </span>Plus, a discussion about the fashion shows at MOCA and LACMA, and actor Peter Weller talks about his favorite building.</span></span></p><p>For <b>calendar information</b>, email <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a>, and put "CALENDAR" in subject line.</p>

<p>The <a href="http://www.labiennale.org/en/architecture/" target="_blank">Venice Architecture Biennale</a> used to showcase landmarks by star architects. This year the stars of the show were exploding mega-cities, like Los Angeles, São Paolo and Shanghai. <br /></p>

Concrete, aluminum and wood may be yesterday's building blocks. Hear about transmaterials. Plus, surfer-chick chic and architecture around town.

In a time of skyrocketing house prices, prefab Modern is being touted as a sustainable, stylish answer to an affordable home. Plus, the World Cup's new high-tech soccer ball, designers pick their favorite sunglasses, and Philippe Starck picks his favorite building in Los Angeles.

Jane Jacobs took on big city planners to defend the life of the city. What might Jacobs have thought of Grand Avenue? Plus, Jodie Foster's favorite building, and Dan Neil on why we care about Ferraris.