A boxed-in feeling

CHRISTOPHER Hawthorne’s article about the LAUSD and architecture was right on point. It’s good to know I am not the only architect struggling with design issues that relate to administrations and bureaucracies.

My project was held up at the state level for two years. If the state bureaucracy sees anything out of the normal stucco box, they get flustered; bureaucracies will not take even a small chance with design. The state told me my design would never get built; they were wrong. If a design gets built, it is because the architect holds his ground against legions of bureaucrats. Most architects just give up, and that’s why you see nothing but stucco boxes for school designs.

The design process for my project started in 1999, the building is finally about 60% complete. It will be a premier library building for any level of school, but I will never do it again. The process is staggering.

BRIAN WILLIAMS

Los Angeles

Williams is an architect with RAW International, an architectural partnership.

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AS Christopher Hawthorne reminded us in his article about new schools in LAUSD, creative and appealing school design is important for our community. Additionally, I hope the district is using “green” guidelines in their construction by using natural lighting, good ventilation, and energy and water conservation. Studies in the state of Washington show that green guidelines reduce worker absenteeism and increase productivity. LAUSD should look to Washington as a model!

ANN STURMAN

Westlake Village