Shadows as Design, Getty Center – Los Angeles, California

Lately, I’ve talked a lot about the stunning Getty Center architecture. The design and materials are top-notch. For example, I don’t recall seeing any concrete walkways. All of the stairs and walkways were precision-cut stone, as you can see here.

The design is also highly structured and angular, which I like. Perhaps a bit masculine, but the predominantly white stonework softens and doesn’t overwhelm.

These are the stairs that lead down to the gardens. I noticed that the stonework had an extra dimension of design via the shadows from the trees. It adds another layer of texture and softness to the geometry. Is this a happy accident? Or did the landscape architect anticipate this bit of detail during the winter?

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