Bradbury Building

Welcome to the Bradbury Building, located at Broadway and Third in downtown Los Angeles. From its unassuming, brown-brick exterior, one could easily pass by without a second glance. …

The most defining decorative element of the Bradbury Building is its intricate, ornate wrought ironwork. The railings wrap continuously around the balconies of every floor, featuring complex, geometric, and almost organic…

Flanking the central court are the building's famous open birdcage elevators. Surrounded by the same intricate wrought iron grillwork, these exposed elevator shafts allow observers to see the mechanical movement of the cars as…

Complementing the dark iron is the abundant use of polished oak for the handrails, door frames, and window trims. This warm wood grounds the space, providing a tactile, human-scale element amidst the soaring heights. …

Crowning the entire structure is the massive glass skylight. It spans the width of the central court, flooding the interior with a soft, diffused golden light that changes character throughout the day. …

Because of its unique visual texture, the Bradbury Building is known as the biggest architectural movie star in Los Angeles. It is most famously featured in the dystopian classic 'Blade Runner,' as well as 'The Haunting' and…

Our exploration of the Bradbury Building reveals a profound architectural paradox. It is a heavy, brick fortress on the outside, and a delicate, light-filled cathedral of iron and glass on the inside. …