You See LA: Spring 2019
5 Things to See and Do in LA This Spring, Handpicked by Design Media Arts Prof. Willem Henri Lucas
Willem Henri Lucas joined the UCLA Department of Design Media Arts Faculty in 2004. He is a Los Angeles based designer of printed matter whose work explores the current role of print in a digital era. Primarily a book designer who explores sensibility of printed matter, in material as well as its content, Lucas is interested in a personal and D.I.Y. approach to book making and publishing, adding his own manual labor into the production process. Most of his work is self-initiated, and he is both the editor-in-chief as well as the designer. At UCLA, he teaches typography and design courses for undergraduates, and studio critiques in the M.F.A. program.
I moved from Amsterdam, the Netherlands to LA in 2004, and lived close to the beach in Venice for about six years. It didn't take long before I started missing a “city-vibe” and a more mixed population. In the summer of 2010, I decided to move into a loft in downtown Los Angeles. It has been 9 years now and I don’t regret the decision. Downtown LA has changed drastically from being gritty, empty, and desolate after 5 pm to more and more populated, gentrified, and dynamic around the clock. I love that DTLA has returned as a true civic core. It is in constant development, there is so much history to explore, and for someone who either walks or rides the bus as a main mode of transportation, there is much more to do and it is much easier to get to places from downtown than in other parts of the city. For this series, I have curated five of my favorite spots, all of which are walking distance from where I live.
Lobby and Gallery Bar @ The Millennium Biltmore Hotel
506 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA, 90071
since 1923
I used to frequent the Gallery Bar at the Biltmore Hotel with my friend Euan for drinks. It is never crowded and you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. The historic building is beautiful, used in many movies and TV-series (such as Mad Men), and if you are lucky and they are open, you can explore the hotel’s hidden gems – its big ballrooms: the Crystal Ballroom, the Biltmore Bowl, the Gold Room, the Tiffany Room, and the Emerald Room, amongst others. In the main hallway of the hotel, there is a huge black and white photograph from the hotel’s opening gala in 1923. Make sure to notice how everyone’s face in the back, middle, and foreground is sharp. This photo and hotel reminds me of the hotel in The Shining.
Central Library | LA Pubic Library
630 W. 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071
since 1872
For years, I have been driving passed this building on the 720 bus that I take to UCLA. Only last winter did I finally go in. I was floored by its beauty, the exhibition spaces, and the sheer size of it all. Check out the romantic children’s book section, walk around all the surrounding patio’s and outdoor gardens, discover all the amazing architectural details, and check out the exhibitions. The original building was designed by Bertram Goodhue, who was also the architect of City Hall, and Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer did the renovation and addition of the Tom Bradley wing in the late 80s.
Hauser and Wirth
901 E. Third Street
Los Angeles, CA 90013
since 1941
This flour mill-turned-arts center, originally the Globe Grain & Milling Company (A-1 Globe Mills) building is one of the biggest galleries in LA. Located in the Arts District near the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), Hauser and Wirth is one of the best things to happen to DTLA. It has three major gallery spaces, a restaurant and garden, and one of the best museum bookstores. Every show since its opening has been well worth a visit.
Rooftop Garden @ the Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S. Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
since 2003
In between the relatively new Broad Museum and Disney Hall, there are metal stairs that lead up to the quiet serene Blue Ribbon Garden of the Walt Disney Concert Hall. This hidden garden is often missed by tourists and mostly known to business people from the area, who use it as a lunch or meeting place. There is a small amphitheater, a huge fountain and little tables and chairs amongst a lot of trees. One wall of the amphitheater shows the original glossy surface of the building, before it had to be dulled with steel wool to prevent the now matte building surface from creating too much glare on the surrounding buildings with its reflected sunlight.
Little Tokyo Market Place
@ LITTLE TOKYO GALLERIA
333 S. Alameda street (and 3th street)
Los Angeles, CA 90013
since 1985
One of the best things about living near Chinatown and Little Tokyo are the supermarkets filled with Asian produce. Ever since I have been in DTLA, I am able to cook more Asian food because I have access to the ingredients needed. In this ugly mall building that also houses a Daiso (the Japanese equivalent of a 99 Cent store) is the Japanese/Korean Little Tokyo Market place. There you can find fresh vegetables, fish, meat and amazing aisles with endless noodle options. The colorful, fun packaging in the candy and snacks aisle will light up and brighten your mood.
Stay engaged. Use #UCLAarts to stay connected.
