SCOTT JOHNSON’S MAIN CHANCE

I am an architect who grew up in Southern California. One of the architectural issues that disturbs me is the prevailing attitude in Los Angeles of what I call “Instant Urbanism--just add water.” This attitude is reflected in the Los Angeles Center project by architect Scott Johnson (“Scott Johnson’s Main Chance,” by Douglas Frantz, Nov. 24).

“Instant Urbanism” produces places that are sterile--all the symbols of urbanism are there, but little of the life. I commend Johnson’s desire to have Los Angeles Center be “an invitation to the (surrounding) community to come in.” But I hope he understands that plopping down a 17.4-acre project of office towers and a hotel will, at best, raise property values in the area and thus economically evict the community that Mr. Johnson wishes to invite in.

LI WEN

Venice