DTLA Wins Big at 49th Annual LA Architectural Awards

For over 70 years, The Los Angeles Business Council has been one of the most effective and influential advocacy and educational organizations in California. Their impact on public policy harnesses the power of business and government to promote environmental and economic sustainability in the Los Angeles region.

On Friday, June 21st, The Los Angeles Business Council celebrated the winners of its 49th Annual Architectural Awards with DTLA taking home awards in more than one category, including the GRAND PRIZE which was awarded to the newly built LAFC Banc of California Stadium located on Fig and MLK in Exposition Park.

It’s well known the Band of California Stadium was built entirely around the fan experience, with team executives soliciting ideas directly from soccer fans as part of the design process. Today it provides an epicenter of sports, food, and music events in and around the stadium grounds.

“We wanted to facilitate a design that was inclusive of the community, to build something that was not just for Los Angeles, but of Los Angeles,” said Jonathan Emmett, Principal and Design Director at Gensler.

More than 650 leading architects, designers, building owners, developers and city officials gathered at the awards ceremony held at the Beverly Hilton.

From hundreds of submissions in 23 design categories, winners were selected by a jury panel of industry experts led by keynote speaker and OMA partner Shohei Shigematsu.

DTLA #WINNING

Seemed like DTLA just kept on winning with accolades presented to 888 at Grand, Hauser and Wirth, Bavel, Knoll Mosaic Garden, The Nomad Hotel, Pershing Square and the Music Center.

“The 2019 Architectural Awards was our most exceptional yet with world-class entries and designs that push boundaries and create spaces that foster connection and community,” said Mary Leslie, President of LABC. “This year’s award winners exemplify how architecture can elicit joy, enhance social interaction, promote meaningful experiences and provide essential housing.”

And we all known DTLA is all about joy, social interaction and meaning.

Young Architects – Up to the Challenge…

Addressing the region’s housing shortage was also the focus of this year’s esteemed Julius Shulman Emerging Talent Award. Students were asked to design permanent supportive housing “prototypes” for two existing sites under consideration for permanent supportive housing developments.

Designs showcased in this category centered around modular dwellings, freight housing and other sustainable materials. This year’s winner, Cal Poly Pomona, received a $6,000 scholarship sponsored by W.E. O’Neil Construction. The Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), last year’s winner, received an honorable mention.

“It’s inspiring to see the meaningful ways that students tackle real problems facing our City. Our City’s youth offer a largely untapped wealth of talent and innovative spirit that provide fresh perspectives that can help better combat the mounting housing problem and enhance the lives of those who call Los Angeles home,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz.

In recognition of the current housing crisis, the LABC’s Community Impact Award went to a collective of 23 nonprofit groups who have been leading the way in providing housing for low-income or homeless individuals in Los Angeles County. DTLA’s Union Rescue Mission was awarded.

For more information visit: www.labusinesscouncil.org.