Dystopian Architecture at Emerson College in Los Angeles

Soon we’ll be off to Los Angeles for our 3rd workshop in this architecturally rich city. While we have many amazing locations planned we can’t make it to absolutely everything, given the very spread-out nature of LA. Plus, the location we’ll share today, Emerson College, has some weekend limitations. We thought it’d be a good idea to highlight this space for those of you that are in the Los Angeles area, either living there or visiting.

Let’s start with a wide shot of the exterior so you can get an overall idea of this space. The two residential towers frame the central classroom area and outdoor courtyard.

As you approach the building there’s a chance to play with the curviness of the central classroom areas. Almost Gehry-like but when seeing the wider shots and the almost brutalist, dystopian feeling of the overall building it’s clear it’s a Morphosis Architects design.

Onto that courtyard…which is the best area for getting some very interesting detail shots. The school offers free tours on weekdays, so definitely take advantage of that as it’s the only way to access this courtyard.

You see all those fins on the wall that shields the hallways around the residential suites? Those fins act as a sunshade system and are automated to control heat, while still maximizing the view. Lucky college students…still amazed at how architecture on college campuses has changed since I was in school. Though given this is a communication and art school the daily inspiration of great design seems fitting.

Shooting wide and getting those sweeping lines and curves of the varying angles of the fins make for an interesting perspective.

Fill the frame…

… or leave a little breathing room with a blank sky acting as negative space.

Getting in close for some tighter shots of those fins you really see the jagged, geometric shapes.

If you visit, be sure to share your shots with us. Our Facebook group is the perfect place to do this!