About a month ago I made the roadtrip from New Orleans to Los Angeles. I left my home by Bayou St. John to (like several of us) begin the Urban Planning program at UCLA. Prior to the move, I hadn't spent much time in Los Angeles. So naturally, while trying to settle in, I've been seeking out places to help me better understand the city.
All of this "settling in" got me thinking about a book I recently read called Cornerstones. Cornerstones documents the history of New O
rleans through place and space. The places and spaces chosen are not your stereotypical historical monuments, rather, they are the everyday destinations made significant by the neighborhood, its residents, and that untangible factor that makes a place special. The book explains the cutlural importance of eight spaces through short narratives, interviews, and architectural drawings.
rleans through place and space. The places and spaces chosen are not your stereotypical historical monuments, rather, they are the everyday destinations made significant by the neighborhood, its residents, and that untangible factor that makes a place special. The book explains the cutlural importance of eight spaces through short narratives, interviews, and architectural drawings.One of my favorite entries describes a familar restaurant/bar called "Liuzza's by the Track." the interviews and drawings a
mazingly capture just how Liuzza's serves more than just food. Walking into the space, myself and fellow Bayou St John residents discussed neighborhood politics, helped friends in hard places, supported others' innovations, and felt comforted by having something constant amongst frequent chaos. You can tell that the place shapes the culture of the surrounding community and vice versa.
mazingly capture just how Liuzza's serves more than just food. Walking into the space, myself and fellow Bayou St John residents discussed neighborhood politics, helped friends in hard places, supported others' innovations, and felt comforted by having something constant amongst frequent chaos. You can tell that the place shapes the culture of the surrounding community and vice versa. With that said...those folks wanting a genuine New Orleans experience should make a point of visiting Liuzza's -- if and when you do, be sure to get a bloody mary and a bowl of Liuzza's famous gumbo!
Anyway, amidst my "settling in" to LA, I've been trying to ignore the city's "superficial/shallow" stereotype and seek out the everyday places and spaces that make this city unique. I think it'd be an interesting idea to create an informal Cornerstones -- LA Edition and have ya'll comment/post about Los Angeles' history and culture through place. I know it would certainly help me (and hopefully the other incoming planning students) adjust and understand the city.
Thoughts?
2 comments:
Great idea! I think food establishments are definitely a good place to start. Pete's Cafe downtown has been a neighborhood focal point for all the gentrifiers over the last few years, as it used to be the only place in the vicinity that was open late (other than taco trucks, which themselves serve as gathering places during late night hours). A little farther east in the Arts District, the now-defunct Bloom's General Store served a similar purpose until the owner passed away and it had to close. As for lower-income communities, I'll have to leave it to others to fill you in, but rest assured that there are vast numbers of these places scattered around LA in the form of bars, taquerias/taco trucks, swap meets and the like, and that a unique vibe is present in each one.
Well stated Niall! Cornerstones LA Edition sounds like a great idea!
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