It’s easy in any urban environment, with all it’s distractions and energy, to overlook pillars of the city itself...literally. For my first article, I want to start with a larger look at art and design in los Angeles...and for me there is no better way than looking at the structure of the city itself. So below I’ve highlighted a few must see structures to give you an intro to your city...Los Angeles.

It took 33 years for Simon Rodia to construct by hand the Watts Towers. Amazing structures that tower above the landscape of Watts, CA...they are awe inspiring for sure! Considered to be one of few “folk art” pieces of architecture, the Watts Towers are now a historical landmark of Los Angeles. But it wasn’t always so...

After their completion in 1954 the city wanted to tear the construction down...however, after extensive wind testing...the towers endured and are now a National State Park.

Open for viewing and tours FRI-SUN...with a small admission of $7 the Watts towers on my top 5 list.

The Theme Building and Encounter LAX restaurant

While dealing with the hectic environment of the Los Angeles International Airport...in can be easy to overlook the interesting architecture located at LAX. Originally part of the “Los Angeles Jet Age Terminal Construction” project the Theme Building was completed in 1961 and the Encounter restaurant opened inside the building in 1997. The buildings construction offers a 360 degree view of the airport and surrounding areas.

Whether you’re waiting for a flight, or just passing through...the space-age design is definitely worth checking out.

The Ennis House

One of many structures and homes built by the famous Frank Llyod Wright, the Ennis House is a definite point of interest for the architectural enthusiast. Built in 1924 for Mabel and Charles Ennis, the house is constructed of intiricate concrete blocks. It is one of the few structures, that shows the artful versatility of the medium.

Located in the beautiful hills that surround Los Angeles, visiting The Ennis House makes for a lovely scenic Sunday drive.

Visit their website www.ennishouse.org for more history and info as well as ways to help with the ongoing restoration project.

The Disney Hall

I couldn’t leave out the sheer urban design of Frank Gehry’s famous Disney Hall. Located in the heart of downtown LA...this building is an unmistakable architectural landmark. To show Walt Disney’s dedication to the arts, The Disney family comissioned Frank Gehry to construct what now houses the LA Philharmonic. The first performance took place in 2003 after a 6 year construction period. Few words can describe the intensity that the steel structure conveys.