January 01, 2005
Abbot Kinney - The best contemporary architecture walk in America?
Yesterday we wandered along Abbot Kinney Blvd in Venice. A mix of shops, restaurants, businesses, bars, and residences, it is, for my money the premiere contemporary architecture stroll in the United States.
The photos shown here are from my Abbot Kinney photoset on Flickr. And I didn't capture all that I really liked.
What works about Abbot Kinney? The maintenance of the older brick buildings lends character and history, something you don't get a lot of in L.A. The contemporary architecture fits with the older work -- taking on the same boxy shape.
Also, the contemporary architecture, on its own, just looks good. The buildings here are bright, clever, creative, without being over-the-top, gauche, or ugly.
And, the mix of small boutiques, restaurants, and architecture and design firms lends a fiercely independent air. No chain stores here!
So, next time you're in L.A., head down for a stroll along Abbot Kinney. It's not that long -- 4 or 5 blocks. It'll take maybe an hour, and that includes shopping and, say, getting a cup of coffee. Enjoy the genius of this street, and wonder, like I do, if this has simply just happened, or somehow been planned.
