Our friends at PAR — or Platform for Architecture + Research — were announced as the 2014 recipient of the Presidential Emerging Practice Award from the AIA Los Angeles. In a constantly evolving setting like the City of Angels, the award is the highest honor that the AIA|LA Presidential Board presents to an emerging architecture firm in recognition of consistently creating innovative work. It also highlights individuals who take leadership roles in advancing the architectural profession. — bustler.net

Panicky cost-cutting measures during construction left out elements that would have made the exterior and lobby more dazzling and the hall more flexible. The Music Center, which maintains the hall, seems in danger of taking the venue for granted, not eager to invest in it when it can bask in glory by doing nothing. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority is planning a subway line under the hall, raising concerns that train vibrations will spoil the sound. — latimes.com

Following the call for proposals for the recent 2x8 Exhibition Design Competition, the AIA Los Angeles chapter has announced "Cellular Complexity," a project by UCLA lecturer Julia Körner in collaboration with Marie Boltenstern and Kais Al-Rawi, as the winning entry. The Installation will be completed by February 2014, just in time for the 11-year anniversary of the annual 2x8 exhibit. — bustler.net

Built in 1989, the five-bedroom, five-bathroom residence has been described as "a village that looks inward." There is a main house, an office, a guesthouse and a garage-and-gym structure with a breezeway. The half-acre of grounds include a reflecting pond, a swimming pool and an olive orchard. — latimes.com