AIArchitect, February 17, 2006 - Member's Voices | With the AIA National Convention and Design Expo in Los Angeles fast approaching for June 8-10, we asked members in LA:




2/2006	With the AIA National Convention and Design Expo in Los Angeles fast approaching for June 8–10, we asked members in LA:
	“What is the one place in Los Angeles that AIA members should see when attending the convention and why?” John Jacob Hekhuis, AIA; president, Architectural Foundation of Los Angeles and AIA LA Board member Richard Meier’s J. Paul Getty Museum in Brentwood is without a doubt the one place that must be seen in Los Angeles. The complex of buildings forms an acropolis above West Los Angeles and is both monumental in its overall scope and subtle in its details, changing with the glorious Southern California light throughout the day. The interplay of light and materials is truly masterful. Susie Kim, AIA; convention coordinator, L.A. chapter Griffith Park and Observatory, the largest municipal park and urban wilderness area in the U.S. Amazing hiking trails and the best views of Los Angeles. Sue-Meng Lau, AIA; HLW International and chair, AIA LA Design Committee I have two choices. I would say downtown LA, because we are getting a downtown—in density, in public space amenity, in A-class buildings, and in revitalized corners, i.e., Disney Hall, Caltrans Building, Staples. Second, Santa Monica and Venice beachfront—hardscape, landscape, and beach amenities, such as Muscle Beach and Chess. Susanne M. Molina, AIA; director, Klawiter and Associates Inc., and co-chair, AIA LA Interior Design Committee From my perspective, the Getty Center is an architect’s and designer’s Mecca. It’s beautiful from an architectural standpoint, and the setting is phenomenal—high in the Santa Monica Mountains with views from the ocean to downtown LA, as well as interesting exhibits and beautiful gardens in which to reflect on everything you’ve seen and encountered. Laura Satterfield, AIA, Hodgetts + Fung Design and Architecture I would say for the ultimate Southern California experience, AIA members should take in a show at the Hollywood Bowl. During the summer months, going to the Bowl is a not to be missed. Participants can enjoy an evening of music—such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, jazz, world music, or pop—under the stars with a gourmet picnic. The acoustics are fantastic! The Bowl season is running every evening throughout the convention. Gourmet treats, wine, and a restaurant are on site! Greg Verabian, AIA; principal, design, Johnson Fain and 2006 Convention Host Chapter Party committee member If it’s a place of architectural significance, then definitely Disney Concert Hall, one of Frank Gehry’s only public buildings in the U.S. If it’s a place to people watch, enjoy great food, and experience the true microcosm that is “LA,” then definitely the historic Farmers Market at 3rd and Fairfax. Clive Wilkinson, AIA; Clive Wilkinson Architects, AIA LA Board member Definitely the Walt Disney Concert Hall by Frank Gehry. And if possible, book a performance in the hall. —Russell Boniface Copyright 2006 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved. Home Page	Early-bird registration for the AIA National Convention and Design Expo, June 8–10 in Los Angeles is open until March 15, 2006. For more information and to register on-line visit the AIA 2006 AIA National Convention and Design Expo site.