Friday, July 27, 2018

For over a decade, architecture fans have read, appreciated, and debated Christopher Hawthorne in the pages of the Los Angeles Times. In addition to critiquing the city's architectural masterpieces -- new and old, large and small -- Hawthorne branched out into a form of academic activism, sponsoring a series of discussions that he called the "Third Los Angeles." Third L.A. encompassed the idea that, with the era of rampant growth behind us, Los Angeles must embrace a new urban form. Now, Hawthorne has leapt from the page to the lecture hall and now to City Hall, where he recently began his tenure as the city's first Chief Design Officer. 

In this role, Hawthorne will guide the city's efforts to promote good design and improve the aesthetics of the public realm. This vision is surely a work in progress, and Hawthorne is speaking with Angelenos citywide to discern common goals and visions. This month, Hawthorne joins WUF to update us on what his tenure might mean for the city's architects, planners, and developers. We will have a wide-ranging discussion and audience participation to learn about, and contribute to, the future of urban design in Los Angeles. 

Interviewer

Thomas Aurelio Small, Mayor, City of Culver City

Respondent

Christopher Hawthorne, Chief Design Officer, City of Los Angeles