Since at least the 1920’s, modernist architects such as Neutra and Wright have constructed hillside homes in Los Angeles with beautiful views, glimmering pools and sun filled corridors. Photographer Julius Shulman (b.1910) captured many of these residences in the post-war era.

While these houses, favored by the wealthy and aesthetic, are emblematic of the good life in Los Angeles, what do they say about the isolation and wastefulness of living in these places? They seem to reinforce the anti-urban tendencies of LA, where walking is impossible, and even a trip to the grocery store takes a half hour. How much fuel is wasted filling up the cars and SUV’s required to live high up in the mountains! How ironic that these slick creations are always described in an “environmental way” with glowing accounts of solar energy and recycled materials.

The home in this picture was designed by the firm SPF:a with this description:

“The house is designed around the technical issues of allowing light to enter without allowing the harmful rays of the hot summer San Fernando Valley sun to penetrate the skin of the building, all the while maintaining the dramatic views of the entire San Fernando Valley. In addition to the solar considerations, Pali recognized that the house’s setting was on a peninsula site along a ridgeline. Therefore, in order to maintain respect for the ridge and the Mulholland Scenic Corridor the house was designed as a low massed single story that respects the ridgeline. The house is clad in natural teak panels that blend into the landscape. It is slated for completion early Spring 2004.”

Not only does this home “respect the ridge”, it also has consideration for the Mulholland Scenic Corridor and is clad in natural teak panels. In Los Angeles, we justify our self-aggrandizement and environmental invasiveness with socially soothing sentiments.It makes us feel better as we pursue life behind the steering wheel and dashboard.