Using the Curve to Full Advantage

By Eric Richardson
Published: Tuesday, October 23, 2007, at 10:41PM

Eric Richardson

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Standing in the plaza at LA Live the other night, Ed and I were both struck by how well the red light show on the side of Met Lofts integrates into the visual performance that LA Live creates. Though a block away, the building fits right into the visual canvas being created, and is framed by the curvature of 11th street as it connects into Figueroa. I'm sure that wasn't just an accident.

The same sort of framing from afar occurs on 9th street as you head east from Figueroa. The curve of the street perfectly opens your view to the rooftop signage of the Orpheum Theatre on Broadway, which appears to be straight in front of you. It's a treat that Downtown's typically straight roads rarely give, but one that is certainly worth noticing when it occurs.

Comments

David Kennedy writes:

There's a few other downtown vistas that I'd share.

1) Coming up Hope Street, the Central Library is framed beautifully at the base of Bunker Hill. I remember coming up this stretch repeatedly when my wife was at California Hospital giving birth to our first child. (Her labor was very long and complicated.)

2) Crossing the First Street Bridge from Boyle Heights into Little Tokyo, you get an impressive view of the downtown skyline. It will probably become the standard shot once the Gold Line becomes operational.

3) Heading south down Broadway through Chinatown, City Hall is framed nicely by the gate to Chinatown. City Hall is an amazing structure. I only wish the gate in Chinatown would be lit up as it appears to be designed.

# on Oct.24.2007 AT 10:39 AM

Using the Curve to Full Advantage

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