Gehrys L.A Scheme Returns From Drawing Board

The latest set of images have been unveiled for the first phase of the Grand Avenue Project in Los Angeles.

Designed by uber architect, Frank Gehry, the complex has been the subject of much consternation for developers, New York Related Co's due to multiple design revisions.

Since being hired almost two years ago time and time again they have clashed with Gehry who is renowned for being notoriously difficult to work with due to his singular visions, to the point that it is doubtful Gehry will be involved in phases two and three of the project which has already been abandoned by landscaper Laurie Olin.

Set across the road from the Walt Disney Concert Hall also designed by Gehry, the previously predictably dull plans of two rectangular towers largely cut off from the streets around them have now been replaced with an "L" shaped structure set against strikingly against the skyline that also frame a multi level, retail plaza featuring oaks trees and other such landscaping features.

In order to liven up the project, colour has been introduced by means of coloured glass sunshades, brightly coloured concrete and a large scale flower motif that will climb up the tower's plaza facing facades. The theme is topped off in a very real sense by crowns of oak trees on the roofs of both towers.

The tallest of the towers will stand at 48 storeys and will contain an Oriental Mandarin Hotel, health spa and top notch condos whilst the smaller of the towers, standing at 24 storeys will contain lower scale and affordable apartments.

Also added to the new design changes is the addition of mirrored glass to the towers, surging seductively up the towers crumpled sides giving the project the distinctive Gehry style. It also enlivens what would otherwise be a very boring building, although the Community Redevelopment Agency included a recommendation against the use of any mirrored glazing in its guidelines due to possible glare problems it is not hard to see that this is a recommendation which should probably be reviewed.

Unsure of who will be filling the retail spaces, developers have hopes that Apple will occupy the most prominent space at the corner of Grand avenue and 1st street with a computer store but as Apple's Chief Executive favours a sleek cube design that has been used for other importantly placed Apple stores and Gehry reportedly loathes the idea - it's entirely possibly Apple will end up finding a home in another down town project.

Ground breaking is expected to take place in autumn but as that was previously supposed to take place last October its maybe best people don't hold their collective breaths although mass suffocation would probably add another layer of drama to the project.