Louis Naidorf
Louis Naidorf | |
|---|---|
| Born | August 15, 1928 Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
| Died | August 13, 2025 (aged 96) Santa Rosa, California, U.S. |
| Alma mater | University of California, Berkeley |
| Occupation | Architect |
| Practice | Independent / Collaboration with Welton Becket & Associates |
| Projects | Capitol Records Building; Beverly Center; Santa Monica Civic Auditorium; Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena; Century City |
| Design | Mid-century modern, commercial and civic architecture |
Louis Naidorf (August 15, 1928 – August 13, 2025) was an American architect and educator based in Los Angeles. He was known for designing the Capitol Records Building, the Beverly Center, the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, and the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena, as well as contributing to the master planning of Century City. He also founded the architecture program at Woodbury University in Burbank, serving as its chairman.
Background
Naidorf was born in Los Angeles, California, on August 15, 1928. He developed an interest in architecture at a young age.[1] He attended the University of California, Berkeley, earning his undergraduate and graduate degrees.[2]
Naidorf died on August 13, 2025, at the age of 96.[3][4]
Notable projects
- Capitol Records Building (Hollywood, 1956) – Iconic cylindrical tower, mid-century modern design, executed with Welton Becket & Associates.[5]
- Santa Monica Civic Auditorium (Santa Monica, 1958) – Mid-century modern civic performance space.[6]
- Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena (Los Angeles, 1959) – Multi-purpose indoor arena, demolished in 2016.[7]
- Century City (1960s–1970s) – Master planning of commercial district.[6]
- Beverly Center (Los Angeles, early 1980s) – Elliptical shopping mall with central atrium and signature escalators.[6]
- Woodbury University Architecture Program (Burbank) – Founded program and served as chairman.[8][9]
Selected projects
| Year | Project | Location | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Capitol Records Building | Hollywood, California | Commercial | Cylindrical tower, mid-century modern; executed with Welton Becket & Associates[10] |
| 1958 | Santa Monica Civic Auditorium | Santa Monica | Civic | Mid-century modern performance space |
| 1959 | Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena | Los Angeles | Civic / Sports | Multi-purpose indoor arena; demolished 2016 |
| 1960s–1970s | Century City | Los Angeles | Urban Planning | Master planning of commercial district |
| Early 1980s | Beverly Center | Los Angeles | Retail / Mall | Elliptical plan, central atrium, signature escalators |
| 1970s–1980s | Woodbury University Architecture Program | Burbank | Education | Founded program and served as chairman |
References
- ^ "Louis Naidorf: The Early Years". Obie Bowman.
- ^ Haynes, Karma (May 8, 2000). "L.A. Architect and Dean Draws Up Blueprint for Retirement". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. p. 11. Retrieved August 23, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Chelin, Pamela (August 14, 2025). "Louis Naidorf, architect behind L.A.'s iconic Capitol Records Building, dies at 96". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ^ "Louis Naidorf, Reowned Architect of the Iconic Capital Records Building, Passes Away at 96". DigitalNoiseMagazine. August 15, 2025. Retrieved August 23, 2025.
- ^ "Capitol Records Building". PCAD.
- ^ a b c "Louis Naidorf – Architect Profile". Archinform.
- ^ "Remembering the Los Angeles Sports Arena". US Sport History.
- ^ "Louis Naidorf". PCAD.
- ^ "Veteran Architect Louis Naidorf to Head Program". Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles, California. June 4, 1990. p. 229. Retrieved August 23, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Chelin, Pamela (September 21, 2023). "The architect of L.A.'s iconic Capitol Records building sets the record straight — again — on that needle". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 23, 2025.