WHAT GOES UP

I know I speak for many in the architectural community in saying that we need more articles like “L.A. Architects: They Did It Their Way” (by Joseph Giovannini, Style, May 15). It is vital for the continued health of the profession that L.A.’s contributions and leadership in architecture be recognized throughout the world.

JEFFREY DANIELS AIA

Los Angeles

Those bizarre designs are very appropriate for Los Angeles. They look as though they have already been wrecked by an earthquake. Whatever happened to the straight line? To functional design? All the principles of architecture have been grossly violated.

The Temporary Powell Library at UCLA is burlesque show-biz at its worst. Anything for a laugh. A clear manifestation of a crazy, mixed-up society. A plague on all their houses!

SID REDISH

YALE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, 1934

Hawthorne

Giovannini’s fawning press release on Los Angeles architects was written with all the objectivity of a Laker cheerleader. The Temporary Library is a classic eyesore, featuring a self-absorbed design that shows disregard and disdain for its surroundings. It is like a schoolyard bully who uses brute strength to muscle others out of his way in a desperate bid for attention. If this is a lauded example of L.A.’s architectural future, I’ll definitely take Manhattan.

ELLEN BYRON

Los Angeles

UCLA’s architecture program, contrary to the indications in Giovannini’s article, has not been “hobbled” by administrative restructuring. Among those you mentioned who have recently joined our faculty are Craig Hodgetts and Thom Mayne; continuing faculty mentioned are Julie Eizenberg, Frank Israel, Barton Phelps and Dagmar Richter. Israel, Mayne and Hodgetts have all received the coveted award for achievement from the National Academy of Arts and Sciences, and Prof. Thomas Hines, who teaches history, is to be inducted into the board of the academy this year.

The strengthening of UCLA’s architecture/urban design program could not have occurred without the support of the chancellor’s office, administrative restructuring notwithstanding.

RICHARD WEINSTEIN, DEAN

UCLA GRADUATE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN PLANNING

Los Angeles