Stadium Or Death Star?

Downtown Los Angeles needs housing and culture -- not another massive edifice, writes urban critic William Fulton.

1 minute read

May 28, 2002, 12:00 PM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


"Death Star Row is getting pretty long in L.A. There are the cathedral, the Music Center, Disney Hall, the vacant office buildings around Pershing Square, Staples Center, the Convention Center and now the possible football stadium. The theory seems to be that if you stick enough of these edifices downtown, people will think downtown is the center of something. All these institutions operate more or less the same way: People from other parts of the city or county drive into parking garages, travel through walkways and in elevators to the event they're attending, then depart--leaving behind little trace they were ever there. In other words, these edifices operate like the Death Star in the "Star Wars" movies."

Thanks to Laura Kranz

Sunday, May 26, 2002 in The Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog