A Guide To Architectural Los Angeles

This legendary building kinda looks like a stack of records, but what’s even more interesting is that it was the first circular office building in the U.S. Supposedly, the blinking light on top of the tower spells out “Hollywood” in Morse code. Hmmm….we might have to find a Morse code expert to confirm this.

If you still haven’t satisfied your Frank Lloyd Wright fix after a trip to Barnsdall Park, then head to Palos Verdes to take a look at this gorgeous seaside chapel, which was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright’s son. WARNING: The beautiful glass and wood architecture will leave you wanting to get hitched.

This progressive house was designed by Austrian architect Rudolf Schindler in the 1920s. The modern space was designed to be a live/work space for two families, with the two families sharing communal spaces. Oddly enough, there are no traditional bedrooms here, instead, the inhabitants are meant to sleep on outdoor porches.

Some think it’s a shiny eyesore, while others think it’s metallic genius. Either way, Frank Gehry’s curvaceous Walt Disney Concert Hall is an architectural icon of the LA skyline.

Spanish architectural mastermind Rafael Moneo designed this Downtown cathedral. Services are held every Sunday here, so you can check out the cool architecture and get on God’s good side.

Architectural guru Frank Lloyd Wright designed the Hollyhock House at Barnsdall Park for Aline Barnsdall, who was loaded with oil money. The structure was Wright’s first project in Los Angeles and was named after Barnsdall’s favorite flower, the hollyhock. If you’re looking to see a good example of Wright’s early work in Southern California, this is a good place to see it.

This Downtown building was built way back in the 1890s. The architecture is reminiscent of the Italian Renaissance style, while the inside is a mix of impressive marble, wood, and iron work. Be sure to take a look at the building’s elevators, which are also made of iron. Coincidentally, this building also has a starring role in the movie “Blade Runner.”

Designed by Charles and Henry Greene for Mary and David Gamble (yes, as in Procter and Gamble), this Pasadena house is a great opportunity to see some amazing Arts and Crafts style architecture. If you want to go on the exclusive “Behind the Velvet Ropes” tour you have to fork over $40.

The brainchild of an Italian immigrant, the Watts Towers are an interesting monument to found-object art. The spiraling metal towers are decorated with pieces of china, glass, and tile and took 30 years to create!