inCONVERSATION: GRAND ILLUSION: A+D DEBATES DOWNTOWN

30 years ago, Los Angeles’ downtown was given up for dead. It turns out its demise was greatly exaggerated, as evidenced in the explosive growth in recent years. But still, downtown LA is an unconventional urban heart. On Tuesday November 13th, 2012 at 6pm, A+D Museum will host a discussion about what’s going on in architecture and urban design in downtown LA. Will The Broad make Bunker Hill the public destination it has struggled to become? Does the new Grand Park attract pedestrians and connect the hilltop cultural district to the lively flatlands? Is the NFL persuaded yet by the idea of an “urban” football stadium? What will the replacement 6th Street Bridge do for the industrial district and Boyle Heights? The impetus for the panel is the publication of "Grand Illusion: A Story of Ambition, And Its limits, On LA's Bunker Hill," the product of a research-based design studio taught last year at USC Architecture School by Frank Gehry and partners, architect Aaron Neubert and Frances Anderton. Grand Illusion is first in the "Cezi" series of publications created by USC Architecture School’s Dean Qingyun Ma, who will give the closing remarks at the panel Tuesday. Moderators: Frances Anderton, Host DnA: Design and Architecture (KCRW) & Sam Lubell, West Coast Editor, Architect's Newspaper Panelists: Ayahlushim Getachew, Senior Vice President, Thomas Properties Group Bob Hale, Principal, Rios Celementi Hale Studios Michael Maltzan, Michael Maltzan Architecture Carol Schatz, President and CEO, Downtown Center Business Improvement District and the Central City Association Closing Remarks: Qingyun Ma Dean of USC Architecture School Reception: 6.00pm Panel: 6.45pm Admission: $15 indiviudal, $7 Student with valid ID, A+D Members FREE http://aplusd.org/inconversation