BC/PDC / PROJECT INFO

A TRANSFORMATION OF TWO LA ICONS: THE BEVERLY CENTER AND, ABOUT A HALF MILE TO THE NORTH AND WEST, THE PACIFIC DESIGN CENTER. THE FIRST BUILDING AT THE PDC OPENED ON THE CORNER OF MELROSE AND SAN VINCENTE IN 1975. IT WAS CALLED, AFFECTIONATELY BY SOME, DERISIVELY BY OTHERS, "THE BLUE WHALE". THE BEVERLY CENTER OPENED IN 1982 AND WAS LAST RENOVATED IN 2020. WHATEVER THE MERITS OF THE ORIGINAL DESIGNS, BOTH BUILDINGS HAVE STRUGGLED TO MAINTAIN THEIR RELEVANCE. AFTER MULTIPLE RENOVATIONS, RETHINKINGS AND RELAUNCHES, IT'S CLEAR THAT TINKERING AROUND THE EDGES NO LONGER WORKS.

THIS IS AN ENTIRELY SPECULATIVE PROJECT. WE ARE CITIZENS OF LOS ANGELES AS WELL AS ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS. WE HAVE AN ONGOING, CRITICAL DIALOGUE ABOUT THE CITY WE LOVE. WE DISCUSS ALL ITS FAULTS, ALL ITS PLEASURES, ALL ITS MISSED OPPORTUNITIES.