A Fascinating Rethink on Frank Lloyd Wright’s LA Houses

 What’s believed to be a self portrait of architect Frank Lloyd Wright, via the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation

LA Times architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne has written and directed the latest episode of Artbound, KCET’s Emmy-winning arts and culture series. In “That Far Corner: Frank Lloyd Wright In Los Angeles,” Hawthorne suggests that the famed architect’s mausoleum-like Mayan designs (a startling and temporary stylistic departure for Wright) were possibly a means of processing the grief Wright felt over losing his mistress Mamah Borthwick in a gruesome mass murder in 1914. It’s a fascinating idea—and a bit controversial. Watch and decide for yourself.

Barbara Bestor Leads the Charge on a Landmark’s Renovation

 Architect Barbara Bestor, via Architectural Digest/Laure Joliet

Barbara Bestor, one of our Pasadena showroom clients, will be architect-in-residence for the redesign of the Trust Building in DTLA, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what she does. Rising Realty Partners is converting the landmark Art Deco property into a mixed-use destination space with street-level retail shops, 300,000 square feet of open-floor offices, and a rooftop restaurant. Learn more about Barbara’s unique role in the project on architecturaldigest.com.

Bill and Melinda Gates Talk Toilets

 Image via Gates Notes

In their 2019 annual letter, philanthropists Bill and Melinda Gates reflect on 2018 and some the year’s biggest surprises. “Some worry us. Others inspire us. All of them are prodding us to action,” they write. We encourage you to read them all, but #7 especially captured our attention—find out how toilet tech can improve the lives of millions around the world.

Leonardo Da Vinci at Salone del Mobile? Yes. 

 Photograph of a portrait of Leonardo Da Vinci, De Agostini/Getty via National Geographic ; Huara by Artemide, via Metropolis

Check out Metropolis magazine’s article on Salone del Mobile and two special installations that honor the 500th anniversary of Leonardo Da Vinci’s death. DE-SIGNO, curated by Italian artistic director and professor Davide Rampello, juxtaposes Da Vinci’s mechanical concepts with contemporary Italian designs. Focusing on Da Vinci’s fascination with the movement of water, Aqua, created by international events producer Marco Balich, envisions new possibilities for Milan’s old canal locks, called the Navigli, designed by Da Vinci and built between 1179 and in 1209.

Veni, vidi, vici: What Design Milk Loved at KBIS 2019

 Lil Bert… Italian brand Bertazzoni debuts its new diminutive designs, image via Design Milk

Design Milk, our digital media partner for the Milan design fair, has rounded up their favorite finds at KBIS 2019… with some 600 vendors, it was no easy task! We love everything they spotted but especially Bertazzoni’s (dare we say cute?) compact appliances. Tiny but mighty, they pack all they same power as their larger cousins. Equally charming are Dacor’s colorful ranges. In an array of hues, they’re almost candy-like additions to the kitchen.

 Image via Design Milk

Cover image: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Ennis House, via Leading Estates of the World