Design Matters: Circa’s Lobbies are Finessed to Impress

Whether you’re a resident or visitor, when you enter the two lobbies at Circa, it’s hard to contain your amazement at the stunning reception and lounge areas. Designed by HansonLA, an architecture, interior, and urban design practice located in downtown Los Angeles, the lobbies’ soaring ceilings and opulent marble finishes exude sophistication and luxury. But perhaps the most striking design elements are the undulating feature walls.

Circa Lobby at Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

HansonLA notes that Circa’s design expression culminates in the sculptural shapes of the feature walls in the two main lobbies. Each wall is a single material pushed to its assembly limits in a merger of digital and hand craftsmanship. This approach carries through the project via a flow of color, pattern and textures.

Hanson LA Circa Lobby at Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

The interior design for Circa purposefully integrates the design of the public spaces with that of the 648 living units. The mixed communal and individual organization is made luxurious through the custom application of premier finishes and European fixtures.

Circa Lobby at Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

HansonLA’s strong principles come together to create comprehensive solutions for their clients, each showcasing conscious and meticulous design, such as the details seen Circa’s lobby wall design. Led by Douglas Hanson, AIA, the award winning design firm has an established reputation for integrating innovative design with the functional and technical requirements of each project. Their design philosophy looks for the synergies of a project and finds focus in its shared interests. The firm values making good use of space, maximizing resources, and drawing personality out of simple forms, creating beauty through familiar materials.

Guggenheim Bilbao Hanson LA near Circa residences in Downtown Los Angeles

About HansonLA

HansonLA has a portfolio of over forty national and international projects that include cultural, commercial, mixed-use, and residential types that range in scale from object to urban campus. It provides comprehensive architectural services, from pre-design and programming, to design and documentation, to construction and project management. It also offers expertise in brand coordination, design research, and master planning. Photo: Douglas Hanson AIA, Project Architect, for the Guggenheim Bilbao by Frank Gehry and Associates.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Circa/Hunter Kerhart

Photo #2: Circa/Hunter Kerhart

Photo #3: HansonLA

Photo #4: Circa/Hunter Kerhart

Photo #5: HansonLA

Best Architecture & Design Tours in LA and Beyond

Welcome to the Circa Blog! Every week we’ll be sharing stories about everything you love about DTLA–from Arts & Culture to Culinary Hot Spots, Shopping, Architecture & Design, Hidden Gems, and so much more. With its stellar location, Circa is clearly at the epicenter of it all.

But did you know that Circa is also moments away from some of LA’s most iconic historic neighborhoods? If you’re curious to find out more, consider joining the Los Angeles Conservancywhich, in addition to its preservation mission, offers amazing historic tours and special programs such as Last Remaining Seats  classic movies screened in LA’s gorgeous historic theatres.

Beyond LA: Palm Springs Modernism Week and Pasadena Heritage Craftsman Weekend are coming up soon. These popular events attract thousands of visitors annually, so get your tickets before they sell out!

LA Conservancy Walking Tour

LA Conservancy Historic Downtown Walking Tours

Saturdays at 10 a.m. & Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Meeting location: Pershing Square

Discover downtown LA’s fascinating history and architecture, and explore some of the city’s most beloved landmarks, such as the Central Library, the U.S. Bank Tower, and the Bradbury Building! The LA Conservancy Historic Downtown walking tour offers a great overview of architecture, from the eighteenth century to the present. Starting at Pershing Square, docents will acquaint you with the area’s unique character, told through its magnificent buildings. The tour itinerary includes a ride aboard the historic funicular Angels Flight (ticket is included in the cost of your tour). Tour-goers who choose not to ride Angels Flight may use a staircase that parallels the funicular’s route (but there is no fare refund). Ready for more? The Conservancy offers tours of other historic neighborhoods and focal points including Angelino Heights, Art Deco, Broadway Historic Theatre and Commercial District, Union Station and more. Complete list of Walking Tours here.

Modernism Week Shag

Palm Springs Modernism Week February 14-24, 2019

Modernism Week’s signature February Event is an annual celebration of midcentury modern design, architecture, art, fashion and culture, attracting visitors from around the world. Taking place in Palm Springs and surrounding areas, Modernism Week features a kaleidoscope of more than 350 events including the Modernism Show & Sale, Signature Home Tours, films, lectures, Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tours, nightly parties, walking and bike tours, classic cars, a vintage travel trailer exhibition, and more. Modernism Week is also a charitable organization, providing scholarships to local students pursuing college educations in the fields of architecture and design; as well as supporting local and state preservation organizations and neighborhood groups in their efforts to preserve modernist architecture throughout the state of California.

EARLY BIRD ALERT: Tickets go on sale November 1, 2018 and many events sell out quickly!

Craftsman Weekend

Craftsman Weekend November 9-11, 2018

A tribute to Pasadena’s unique contributions to the American Arts & Crafts Movement, Pasadena Heritage Craftsman Weekend is the largest, most comprehensive celebration of the Craftsman Movement in the Western United States. The Weekend’s offerings will include a Drive Yourself Craftsman Home Tour, Gamble House Lecture and Tour, and a variety of interesting bus and walking tours. Other festive options include the Opening Reception at the historic Blinn House, Traditional Tea Ceremony at the Storrier Sterns Japanese Garden, and Evening Reception, also at the Storrier Sterns. You can customize your weekend by purchasing tickets to the events of your choice.