Designed by the architectural firm Coop Himmelb(I)au, Central Los Angeles High School #9 for the Visual and Performance Arts has generated as much controversy as excitement, but there is no debate about its visual impact on the LA skyline. This book takes readers through the evolution of the project from the first sketch to the finished building. It discusses the principles of urban planning that drove the design as well as the important social and cultural aspects of such a project. Essays by Eli Broad and Sylvia Lavin discuss the process that led to Coop Himmelb(I)au's commission and describes Los Angeles's unique geographic and socio-economic situation. Most importantly this monograph introduces readers to the challenges and rewards of building an urban school that celebrates as well as teaches the visual arts. AUTHOR: Eli Broad is an American businessman and philanthropist who lives and works in Los Angeles, USA. Sylvia Lavin is the Chair of the Ph.D. in Architecture program and Professor of Architectural History and Theory at UCLA. ILLUSTRATIONS 200 colour images *
