The Los Angeles Business Council announced winners of its 50th Anniversary Architectural Awards, saluting projects that contribute to a more socially inclusive society by designing buildings and spaces that are accessible, safe, and remove barriers to once-excluded communities. Epitomizing this year’s emphasis on inclusive design, the Grand Prize was awarded to the South Park Historic East Area Renovation in downtown Los Angeles, which transformed a once-blighted park in a historically underserved community into a welcoming greenspace that fosters well-being by giving residents a safe place to relax, exercise and play. Inglewood’s SoFi Stadium was also included in the list of winners.
“SoFi Stadium and Entertainment District is an architectural, engineering and economic wonder. It is a welcome new addition to Los Angeles and we congratulate the entire team in building a first-class entertainment venue,” said Mary Leslie, president of the Los Angeles Business Council.
A municipal design team led by the L.A. Department of Water and Power and the city’s Bureau of Engineering’s Architectural Division bested some of the most notable designers and architects in the world to win the Grand Prize for the park renovation. Their efforts transformed a grassless, dormant park into an expansive greenspace, framed by winding paths and towering palm trees that is inviting to the community for healthy recreation, gatherings, and quiet reflection. The park is dedicated to the late R&B singer Barry White, who grew up nearby.
“Urban design is a vehicle for equity and a vital way for government to serve as a force for good in the life of our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Garcetti. “The real winners of this award are the Angelenos living across the South Park Historic East Area – the families, friends, and households with a new community space that will lift up the quality of people’s lives, improve public safety, and promote a healthier future.”
The win distinguished itself as the first time in the awards’ long history that a landscape or park design has received top honors.
Overall, 23 winners emerged from an esteemed pool of hundreds of submissions in categories ranging from civic buildings to education to sustainability. Jurors comprised industry experts, including architects, construction firms, owners, and developers.
The Los Angeles Business Council is one of the most effective and influential advocacy and educational organizations in California. For over 70 years, the LABC has had a major impact on public policy by harnessing the power of business and government to promote environmental and economic sustainability in the Los Angeles region. To learn more, please visit www.labusinesscouncil.org.
