Customer Reviews

Courtyard Housing in Los Angeles

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The authors have done a spendid job of assembling the full range of courtyard housing types from the complex atached units of the Andalusia to the arrangement of modest bungelow courts.

More than stressing a communal vibe, the courtyard buildings covered in Courtyard Housing reflect Hollywood's fascination with fantasy architecture. The sense of palatial Moorish palaces at a smaller scale provide a whimsical escape from the drudgery of everyday urban life, while the climate of Los Angeles and the Mediterranean architecture combine to create a sense of exotic, charming otherworldliness.

The Zwebells's astounding courtyard design, The Grace on Grace and Franklin, is sadly not included in this book, but luckily many fine buildings are.

I purchased this because I live in a courtyard building in WeHo, and have long been a fan of the form. The authors make a compelling case for preservation by identifying courtyard housing as an important and valid alternative to the socialist-inspired modernist forms (Corbusier, et al) that were coming up at the time (1920s-1930s). One small caveat, though -- a photo on page 210 identifies an area as between Harper and Hayvenhurst, when in fact the streets seen are Laurel and Hayworth (the Villa de Este is on Laurel, not Harper).

Not only are California's courtyard neighborhoods thoroughly documented, but Polyzoides et al thoroughly explain this housing typology, its evolution, and its finer points.

Whether you have a casual interest in California history, or a need for deep professional understanding of the architecture, I think you will be delighted by this book.

I should also mention that Stefanos Polyzoides, one of the authors, has a firm in Pasadena which has recently produced some exceptional courtyard buildings to add to this lineage. (Seven Fountains, in Hollywood, and Mission Meridian in South Pasadena)

This book highlights one of the unique qualities of Los Angeles. Much of L.A. housing has a Mediteranian feel, not surprising given the climate of southern california and the foothills and mountains and the courtyard is a prefect oasis to build this style of house around. This book does a wonderful job of showcasing these beautiful courtyards and the text and the images are very well presented. Reading this book reminds me of why i love Los Angeles so much, I mean even with all of her problems, she can be so serine and beautiful. Highly recommended.

This is a genius book. I can't believe it's out of print!