The Bradbury Building in Los Angeles has such a strange tale to its creation, that it probably should not exist. Designed at the end of the 19th century by George Wyman, it’s a longstanding landmark in downtown Los Angeles, with the relatively pedestrian multi-storey terracotta facade giving way to a gorgeous, light filled interior - the impeccable styling is the true reason for its longevity as an icon of LA architecture.⁣ The tale of its conception is just the cherry on top.⁣

⁣

Wyman was commissioned by mining millionaire, and eponymous patron, Lewis Bradbury, to design the building - despite never formally training as an architect. Supposedly using a science-fiction novel about a utopian idea of the year 2000 as the basis for his structure, as well as consulting with the spirits via a Ouija board, Wyman set to work.⁣

⁣

Despite the bizarre circumstances that led to its creation, it was lauded as a success when it opened the following year - with a large central atrium topped by a vast glass dome, it was strikingly airy and open compared to other buildings of its type at the time. Contrasting the exterior, the inside features intricate metalwork and detailed panelling, and huge care has been given to the materials - with Mexican tile flooring and Belgian marble staircases. It’s a timeless yet classical design, and one that has appeared in media frequently over the years; most famously in Blade Runner, where the interior was used as the home of android designer Sebastien.⁣

Words by Nat Twiss