Designing for Tomorrow's LA: Residential and Commercial Architecture

The Importance of Context

Residential or commercial design cannot be done in a vacuum – the work has to be tailored to the context of the environment and the variety of factors therein. For instance, one must think in terms of what is needed in a given climate, regulatory constraints, tradition, and the aesthetic demands of the client or cultural context. Of course, requirements wildly differ based on the context and the times, so a commercial architect, for instance, has to be acutely aware of both the current requirements and anticipate how things will or could change in the near future.

Los Angeles is not an exception to this and is a uniquely challenging environment to work in. LA has a rich and unique architectural tradition, parts of which are here to stay for the foreseeable future. However, it is also a city with a changing landscape, both culturally in terms of aesthetic demands, and literally in terms of environmental changes and regulatory constraints. It warrants seeing some of the requirements builders must adhere to in order to navigate this unique and changing context, both in terms of residential and commercial architecture.

LA’s Unique Context

1. Earthquake-Resistant Design:

A longstanding requirement of development in LA, that is not going to change and is actually of increasing concern, is the need to account for the relative regularity of earthquakes. LA's seismic activity necessitates buildings designed to withstand earthquakes, incorporating advanced engineering and materials to enhance structural integrity. Ensuring that such earthquake-resistant design does not come at the cost of aesthetic sensibility or other demands is a true test of a skilled architect.

2. Indoor-Outdoor Living Spaces:

With its favorable climate, LA architecture often features seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, including patios, terraces, and sliding glass doors. This has only gotten increasingly popular in recent decades, in both residential and commercial contexts. However, with the advent of climate change and the climatological volatility that comes with it, there is also an increasing need for the option to easily separate the indoor and the outdoor at demand during recent heat waves, cold snaps, or other inclement weather.

3. Green Building and Design:

There is a strong demand for green design practices on commercial architects, including the use of sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and water-saving fixtures. This is both something that is demanded by consumers and businesses in Los Angeles, who are increasingly eco-conscious of their own accord, as well as increasingly required on a regulatory level. Designs must be such that they achieve these desired green outcomes without sacrificing aesthetic tastes or other desires.

4. Modern and Contemporary Styles:

Los Angeles has long been the city of trend setting when it comes to fashion and this extends to architectural design. In the last few decades, LA residents and businesses frequently have preferred sleek, modern designs with clean lines, open floor plans, and minimalist aesthetics, and this is likely to persist in the coming years. Thus, architects should approach projects with this in mind and think how other goals can fit in such a context. However, given LA’s history as a trend setter, design must always be open to trying something aesthetically new!

5. Luxury Accommodations:

LA, because of its high concentration of affluence, has developed a unique architectural culture of luxury design. High-end residential properties often include luxury amenities like home theaters, wine cellars, infinity pools, and private gyms, catering to the affluent clientele. This emphasis on luxury is found in commercial design as well, such as hotels and restaurants, as well in less affluent residential complexes and even for smaller housing structures aiming to emulate high luxury lifestyle. This means, commercial architects must be equipped to design with such luxurious demands in mind, whether in terms of an affluent context or in terms of more affordable variants.

6. Cultural and Historical Influences:

Los Angeles is a city that has great pride in its history and its diverse cultural composition. Architectural designs often reflect this diverse cultural heritage, integrating elements from Spanish Colonial, Art Deco, Mid-Century Modern, and other styles unique to LA’s history. Thus, though the architectural landscape and aesthetic tastes change over time, the desire to reflect the community and its history or heritage is a mainstay of LA’s architectural scene. Architects would do good to study the history and heritage of the city as well as how references thereof have been successfully incorporated into architectural design in the past.

7. Integration of Technology:

Los Angeles, like much of California, is incredibly interested in incorporating cutting-edge technology. Advanced home automation and smart building technologies are highly sought after, including integrated security systems, smart lighting, and climate control. This means that when it comes to smart technology and methods of integrating such new technology in a seamless way that doesn’t detract from other design goals, architects must constantly strive to remain up-to-date.

8. Enframing the Surrounding Environment:

Anyone who has spent time in Los Angeles can attest to the beauty of the surrounding environment, both within the city’s urban center and on the periphery where there are more natural views. Residential and commercial buildings often prioritize large windows and strategic orientation to capture panoramic views of the city, mountains, and ocean, as well as to maximize natural light. This desire to showcase the city and its environment is certainly not going to change anytime soon, and is probably one of the most static aesthetic demands of architectural design.

Whether a commercial architect or a design-build contractor, one should remain attuned to the evolving demands and enduring characteristics of building in Los Angeles. Embracing this dynamic environment ensures designs that are both innovative and in harmony with the city’s unique landscape and changing needs.