William Pereira’s buildings in peril, music and art in Echo Park, designing a net zero future, a vegan marketplace and a celebration of men’s fashion. Here’s what needs to be on your calendar for design events in LA.
1) Pereira in Peril
The iconic Southern California Modernism architecture of William Pereira includes LACMA, CBS Television City, LAX, JPL, the Disneyland Hotel, and the 1963 Metropolitan Water District Headquarters in Elysian Park. The conflict between preservation and modernization is nothing new, and with imminent plans to demolish the 1963 low-rise MWD campus buildings, the Cultural Heritage Commission (CHC) and Los Angeles Visionaries Association (LAVA) are trying to gain public support for its preservation and Historic Cultural Monument application. The group will start with a public visit to the historic building and follow up with a presentation by LAVA’s Richard Schave and Kim Cooper about the current threats facing Pereira’s work in Los Angeles, including the proposed demolition of part of the MWD campus and original LACMA buildings and redevelopment of Times-Mirror Square. Learn more by listening to this special podcast, Pereira in Peril.
Please register if you plan to attend the CHC’s site visit and/or LAVA’s discussion at The Elysian tower. In the event that the CHC reschedules its site visit, the LAVA discussion will also be rescheduled. Attendees should park on the street. There is no pedestrian access from the Sunset Boulevard side of the building. Light refreshments will be served at the event.
When: Thursday, August 18. The walkthrough is at 10 am, followed by a discussion at 11 am at The Elysian apartment tower next door
Where: Metropolitan Water District Building (former), 1111 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Tickets: FREE. Register here.
2) Echo Park Rising
Ok, well after 5 years of Echo Park Rising, it might be fair to say that now in its sixth year, Echo Park has risen. And what better way to celebrate the creativity and diversity of this eclectic neighborhood than with the music, food, film, art and small businesses that make it such a special place. Over 100 local and up and coming performances, including Chicano Batman, La Luz, the Weirdos and more. Come out for this Los Angeles street scene at its best.
And make sure to check out Play Like a Girl‘s showcase at Little Joy. The monthly feminist showcase (usually at the Echo) features female musicians, comedians, storytellers and artists doing their thing.
When: Thursday, August 18 through Sunday, August 21
Where: Various Locations See this map.
Tickets: FREE and all ages. Get $25 VIP 3-day wristbands here.
3) Net Zero 2016: Energy + Water + Waste
If smart is the new sexy, then there’s nothing sexier than Net Zero Design. From smart homes to urban and industrial design, true beauty happens where form and function intersect to save (and even nurture) our environment. This event is the premier SoCal conference dedicated to net zero design. In its second year, Net Zero 2016 has galvanized the building industry’s momentum toward a net zero future and created a forum for sharing best practices and cutting edge concepts. The half day conference includes: six short TED-style net zero case study presentations from nationally leading AEC firms, an exhibitor table expo, and networking opportunities. The conference includes complimentary registration and breakfast, and draws a wide array of high-level decision makers. See the list of speakers and panelists here.
When: Friday, August 19, 8 am – 1 pm
Where: SoCalGas® Energy Resource Center – 9240 Firestone Boulevard, Downey, CA 90241
Tickets: FREE. Register here.
4) Green Saturday LA – Vegan and Cruelty-Free Marketplace
After you learn about Net Zero Design (above), you can spend Saturday shopping at this sustainable and ethical marketplace, where you can find everything from jewelry to cruelty-free skin care to vegan beer and pie. Enter the vegan pie contest for a chance to win a vegan prize pack worth up to $100. It’s hip to be green; you don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to enjoy all the goodies. A portion of proceeds go to Whiskers and Tails Foundation. See list of vendors.
When: Saturday, Aug 20, 11 am – 5 pm
Where: Alpine Village, 833 West Torrance Boulevard, Torrance, CA 90502
Tickets: $5 per adult (cash only), or FREE with a donation of unopened cat or dog food, or new cat or dog toy for The Whiskers and Tails Foundation.
*This is an indoor & outdoor event with food and beverages being served. Per health code regulations, pets are not allowed, however service dogs are welcome.
5) Muse ‘til Midnight at LACMA and don’t miss Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear
The popular exhibit Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear will be coming to a close on Sunday, August 21, and what better way to see it than at this send-off party by A Club Called Rhonda. Spend a Saturday night among the arts at LACMA’s annual late-night party. The evening kicks off outside at Chris Burden’s Urban Light (aka, the lampposts), and works its way across the museum campus. DJ sets, a cash bar and small bites will be on-hand to fuel you through the night.
When: Saturday, August 20, 8 pm
Where: LACMA, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Tickets: $45 (members $35)
Also closing Sunday, REFUGEE at Annenberg Space for Photography, 2000 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, CA 90067. As the refugee crises continues, this exhibit lets you look into the eyes of displaced men, women and children and feel their plight, their sorrows and their dreams. FREE.