Los Angeles Finally Ready To Build Up, Not Out?

A number of well-known architecture firms are beginning to design more compact and vertical residential and commercial buildings, in line with Mayor Villaraigosa's vision of a denser, more transit-oriented L.A.

1 minute read

May 8, 2006, 5:00 AM PDT

By David Gest

"O'Herlihy, Moule and Polyzoides adhered to the principle that sharp design could entice people into a compact vertical lifestyle. They, along with other progressive local architects, see enormous creative opportunities in multifamily housing of fewer than 50 units on an acre.

And the timing couldn't be better. The designs, which are more about good use of space and light rather than square footage, could help coax Angelenos out of single-family homes and a horizontal way of life.

Adding new homes -- a few dozen small ones at a time -- to existing neighborhoods is part of Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's plan to relieve L.A.'s housing shortage. If the new dwellings are close to public transit, all the better. If they rid the neighborhood of an eyesore, longtime residents win too."

Read the full story: First sprouts of a vertical cityscape

Thursday, May 4, 2006 in The Los Angeles Times

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