good design - government approved?
This is one of my favorite buildings in LA. What shocks me even more than the fact that it got built is the fact that its a government building. From my own experience in working graphic design projects where committees are involved, I can only imagine the meetings architects for projects like this must go through. Good creative is rarely done by committee. Perhaps my perception is wrong and that a government contract may actually allow more freedom for an architect than a private one?
This is the Caltrans District 7 Headquarters in Downtown LA by Thom Mayne/Morphosis Architects. The shapes and forms evoke freeways, movement, and mobility. In fact, the building moves and changes depending on the sunlight and weather conditions. My drive-by photos don't do it justice, but wirednewyork.com has a great article and photos here:
and more photos can be found here on arcspace.com: