This week you can: discuss virtual reality in architecture and design; tour iconic ’70s and ’80s business park architecture in Orange County; smell (and see and hear about) Ancient Rome at the Getty Villa; drool over sugar sculptures; and join a cross-cultural, community dance experience in DTLA Grand Park.
1) Metropolis Think Tank: Gaming and A & D, then, AI in the Workplace
It’s a brave new (and virtual) world out there and the robots ARE coming. Metropolis Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Susan Szenasy will discuss architecture and design in the virtual worlds of gaming and AI in architecture and design at two panels taking place Wednesday. Then on Thursday late morning, she will switch gears and talk about Adapting for the New Workplace, and smart re-use strategies in architecture.
The three open forums are part of Metropolis Think Tank, a traveling continuing education program hosted by the magazine in design offices around the country.
The first discussion, “Designing the Metaverse – The Role of Architecture in Virtual Environments,” includes panelists Ryan Horrigan of Felix & Paul, Yan Krymsky of Perkins + Will LA, Stephen Phillips of Theia Interactive and Jose Sanchez from the USC School of Architecture.
“AI and the Workplace: The Peril and Promise of Advanced Computing” will be debated by Ashley Z. Hand of CityFi, Geoff Wardle from Art Center College of Design, architect Clive Wilkinson and Frances Anderton of KCRW’s Design & Architecture.
“Adapting for the New Workplace” features John R. Barganski, Senior Vice President-Leasing, Western Region Brookfield Property Partners; Carlos Carrasquillo, Studio Director, Wolcott Architecture & Interiors; and Matthew Lavin, Partner, Worthe Real Estate Group.
When: Designing the Metaverse: Wednesday, July 19 at 11 am
AI and the Workplace: Wednesday, July 19 at 4 pm
Adapting for the New Workplace: Thursday, July 20 at 11 am
Where: Designing the Metaverse: Perkins and Will, 617 West 7th Street, Suite 1200, Los Angeles, CA 90017
AI and the Workplace: Clive Wilkinson Architects, 6116 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Adapting for the New Workplace, Wolcott Architecture & Interiors, 527 W 7th St, Floor 13, Los Angeles, CA 90017
Tickets: Free and open to the public
2) OFFICE PARK Architecture Tour: Mirror Glass Architecture and the Consultant Vernacular in Post-Industrial Orange County, 1970-1990
Every style has its enthusiasts — even the mirror and glass architecture of the 1970s and ’80s. Los Angeles architects Cesar Pelli and Anthony Lumsden developed the “futurist and atmospheric Late-Modern glass skin” in 1965, explains architectural historian Daniel Paul, who will show off some of his favorites from the period on a tour of the shiny, reflective buildings in the office parks of Orange County. “Mirror Glass Architecture and the Consultant Vernacular of Post-Industrial Orange County, 1970-1990” takes place Saturday, and includes three stops and will pass through four other locations. The tour is organized by MAK Center architects-in-residence.
When: Saturday, July 22, 11 am – 6 pm
Where: Irvine/Newport/Costa Mesa. RSVP for details and meeting location: octave@aayr.xyx
Tickets: $15 suggested donation. Limited space. More details here.
3) Roman Holidays
When we think of Ancient Rome, most of us envision togas, gladiators and large wine goblets; also amphitheaters, aqueducts, thermal baths, bridges and the occasional coliseum. But how about its smells? As part of an interactive exhibit on daily life in ancient Rome, The Getty Villa has created an interactive exhibit to experience the smells and aromas of ancient Rome. Walk through the Villa’s (quite lovely) herb garden and participate in a free perfume-making workshop, using ingredients deployed by the ancients — olive oil, civet, frankincense, labdanum and rose — to enhance the odor of bodies that, 2500 years ago, did not experience a daily shower. The life of the streets in ancient Rome will also be brought alive by the Troubadour Theater Company, performing scenes from everyday life in ancient Rome.
When: Saturdays and Sundays through September 3, 2017, 11 am – 3 pm. The historically hysterical Troubadour Theater Company performs Roman Holidays at 11:15 am and 2:15 pm.
Where: The Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Tickets: Free. Advanced timed-ticket required. Book your visit here.
4) Furth Yashar & presents Maayan Zilberman: SUGE
Want a bite-sized, sugar-coated art experience? Then check out Maayan Zilberman‘s crystalline sugar sculptures at the Palevsky gallery. The 37-year-old New York-based confectioner, artist, and creative director created a series of sculptures that are made from cane sugar and isomalt, and shaped and colored like actual crystals (watermelon tourmaline, amethyst, topaz). A visit to the Smithsonian, where rare gemstones like alexandrite and tanzanite were on display, inspired the show, called “SUGE.” The pieces were selected by interior designer and brand consultant Oliver Furth and Sean Yashar for their series called Furth Yashar &, in which they showcase artists “that defy categorization.”
When: On-going through August 11. The space is open by appointment, Tuesday through Saturday (email info@furthyashar.com or call 323-592-3216).
Where: PALEVSKY Interior Design Gallery, 11740 San Vicente Blvd, Suite 115, Los Angeles, CA 90049
Tickets: Free but visits are by appointment, Tuesday through Saturday; for more information contact info@furthyashar.com or call 323-592-3216.
5) The Distance is Beautiful
Last week Presidents Trump and Macron came together to mark France’s Bastille Day. This Saturday, a French video and performing artist Lola Gonzàlez and two Los Angeles-based artists, choreographer Oguri and composer Paul Chavez, will unite to “explore themes of community and identity” in a performance piece called The distance is beautiful. It is presented by the France Los Angeles Exchange (FLAX), a Californian nonprofit that “promotes mutual understanding between the diverse communities of Southern California and France through the Arts.” It consists of a traveling processional — sixty performers will set off from several distinct locations throughout Los Angeles, and march through the corridors of downtown Los Angeles, arriving at Grand Park where they will unite to present a performance. It is free and open to all.
When: Saturday, July 22, 7:30*-8:30 pm (*prelude journey starts at 6:45)
Where: Grand Park. The event will start in front of the Civic Center-Grand Park Metro Station on Hill Street between 1st and Temple. They will then proceed through Grand Park towards Grand Avenue, culminating at the The Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain.
*Prelude Journey: Meet the performers at 6:45 pm at one of these four meeting points to follow them on their journey to Grand Park:
- On Red and Gold line Metro platform at 7th Street Station
- On Red and Gold line Metro platform at Union Station
- On Grand Park on the lawn in front of the City Hall, between Spring and Broadway
- On the parking lot on 2nd Street, between Olive and Hill Street
Tickets: Free.
And while in downtown LA. . . drop by FIGat7th and Wells Fargo Center to see Jason Hackenwerth’s “Animal Soul” inflated fantastical creatures. These 20-30 feet high sculptures are sponsored by the owners of the towers and are on show until July 22.