COOP HIMMELB(L)AU CENTRAL LOS ANGELES AREA HIGH SCHOOL 9 FOR THE VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS :

Designed by the architectural firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, Central Los Angeles High School #9 for the Visual and Performing Arts has generated as much controversy as excitement, but there is no debate about its visual impact on the LA skyline and the possibility it represents for an underserved population of young artists.

This book takes readers through the evolution of the project from the first sketch to the finished building. It discusses the principles of urban planning that drove the design as well as the important social and cultural aspects of such a project. Various texts discuss the process that led to Coop Himmelb(l)au's commission and describe Los Angeles's unique geographic and socio-economic situation. Most importantly this monograph introduces readers to the challenges and rewards of building an urban school that celebrates as well as teaches the visual arts.