Summer Travel Video - Two Futuristic Buildings in Los Angeles

Irwin Weiner ASID - We're heading to Los Angeles, CA near the end of June to visit clients and friends - and to see Glen Campbell perform at the Hollywood Bowl - and we can't wait. This city and the urban sprawl that surrounds it defines "car culture" in America. Buildings have adapted to technology in LA, almost more than most major global cities. Architecture is the function of buildings to meet people's needs, and the following video on a very old (but advanced for its time) historic office space - the Bradbury Building, used to dystopian effect in Blade Runner - and a very modern office building (also advanced for its time) - the Caltrans Building, also featured in sci fi movies - can also apply to home architecture and design as well.

Note that our homes must innovate with new technology whenever possible. We don't have to ignore traditional home styles - "Throw in a little Greek Revival, won't you?" - but we can embrace dramatically new architecture for our homes and wander away from traditional styles that just aren't green enough any more, energy efficient enough any more, or adaptable to the needs of our family for security, good lighting, proper temperature control, aesthetics, efficiency, and cost effectiveness. We're looking forward to our LA trip, and perhaps seeing these two exciting buildings!

Bonus

Here's a feature we did on modern home architecture in California, where innovation is a way of life in residential architecture. Click here to watch the video of Hillside House Solves Eco and Sloping Hill Problems.

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Video Tour of Dawnridge - Tony Duquette's Hollywood Fantasy House

Irwin Weiner ASID - One of the major movers and shakers in American style is Tony Duquette. His over-the-top glam-on-top-of-glam accessorizing underscored the Hollywood chic of the Golden Age of Movies, brought over into personal style and home fashion. An influencer of the Hollywood Regency Style of glamourous interior design, Duquette was also a major jewelry designer - from homes to individuals, he was all about the jewelry and accessorizing ("More is More.")

The following video tour of his Beverly Hills home, Dawnridge, shows you some of the beautiful interiors and gardens as well as personal jewelry, brought out for visiting celebrity filmmaker and jewelry designer

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Wood Wonders from J.B. Blunk

Irwin Weiner ASID - The epitome of 1960s counterculture artists, J.B. Blunk is now revered for his sculptural forms in wood. We wanted to feature this silent video overview of Blunk and his work to underscore his talent and vision. He wasn't just expressing himself or rebelling against an established art culture; he let the wood do the talking. Go to the J.B. Blunk website for more information. 

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Hillside House Solves Eco and Sloping Lot Challenges

 

Irwin Weiner ASID - I admire new home design that solves multiple problems. The Hillside House designed by architect and homeowner Scott Lee solves the problem of siting a house on a small lot on an impossibly steep slope. It uses energy-efficient systems throughout - from solar-heated hot water to a home systems control panel that automates light controls and motorized/concealed window shades. Innovative Kohler fixtures reduce water usage in this California home to a bare minimum. Finally, most of the building materials are locally sourced or locally recycled. This home earned its LEED-certified Platinum home status without sacrificing beautiful contemporary design. Watch the following video from Kohler to learn more and tour Hillside House.

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