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    Back to Design and Architecture

    Design and Architecture

    The Passion Behind the Rose Parade

    The Rose Parade has been rolling through the streets of Pasadena for an astounding 122 years. But rather than wither under the onslaught of competing entertainments, it has bloomed into a massive event, uniting thousands of designers and volunteers in the annual creation of the floats.

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    By Frances Anderton • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

    The Rose Parade has been rolling through the streets of Pasadena for an astounding 122 years. But rather than wither under the onslaught of competing entertainments, it has bloomed into a massive event, uniting thousands of designers and volunteers in the annual creation of the floats. DnA talks to veteran float designer Raul Rodriguez, his manager Robert Cash, floral director Jim Hynd and others about the passionate commitment and collective design process behind the New Year’s Day floral spectacle.

    Discover float, designed by Raul Rodriguez, before flowers are added

    Volunteers at work on Fiesta Parade Floats

    City of Torrance float, designed by Raul Rodriguez, before flowers are added

    The full episode

    3 of 3
    It Wasn't All Bad: Bright Spots in LA in 2010
    1. 0:00Bright Spots in a Bad Year
    2. 7:17Designing Women at the Downtown Women's Center
    3. 18:57The Passion Behind the Rose ParadeYou’re reading this
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Frances Anderton

      architecture critic and author

    • KCRW placeholder

      Robert Cash

      General Manager, Raul R. Rodriguez Design, Inc.

    • KCRW placeholder

      Jim Hynd

      Floral Director, Fiesta Parade Floats

    • KCRW placeholder

      Raul Rodriguez

      Designer and Principal, Raul R. Rodriguez Design, Inc.

      Culture

    The full episode

    3 of 3
    It Wasn't All Bad: Bright Spots in LA in 2010
    1. 0:00Bright Spots in a Bad Year
    2. 7:17Designing Women at the Downtown Women's Center
    3. 18:57The Passion Behind the Rose ParadeYou’re reading this
    Back to Design and Architecture