Helen Liu Fong's Space Age LA

Helen Liu Fong's Space Age LA: The Architect Behind the Magical Modern Spaces of Googie Design

with John English

In the PRS Library!

Who was Helen Liu Fong and what was her contribution to Modern architecture in Los Angeles and beyond? Join us and find out in this illustrated lecture and discussion on the life and work of this overlooked master of mid-century modern design.

You will hear about Fong’s early life, growing up in the Chinese American community of Los Angeles, and her unexpected introduction to architecture as a profession. How she was influenced by the landscape of twentieth century Los Angeles and her fortuitous meeting with the firm of Armet & Davis Architects, where she worked for three decades designing coffee shops, including Norm’s, Pann’s, Astro’s and ultimately hundreds of Denny’s and Bob’s Big Boys around the country.

John English is an architectural historian and historic preservation consultant with over twenty-five years of professional cultural resources experience. He was a founding board member of the A + D Architecture and Design Museum in Los Angeles. He also served six years on the Los Angeles Conservancy’s board of directors and was an active member of the Conservancy’s Modern Committee, where he advocated for the protection of historic resources including the Downey McDonald’s, the Bob’s Big Boy coffee shop in Burbank and the Holiday Bowl in Los Angeles’ Crenshaw District. He is currently a board member of the John Lautner Foundation. John’s infamous “Googie Tours” were featured in the Los Angeles Times, Sunset Magazine, National Geographic Traveler, and appeared on CBS’ Sunday Morning. He also created and led tours for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Society for Commercial Archaeology, and the Yale School of Architecture.

John first met architect Helen Liu Fong in 1993 and is currently working on a book about her life and career.

Philosophy of Design Series

This April and May, we celebrate the transformative power of design with a series of events examining the work of influential architects of the past. We'll explore how their unique philosophies and principles were reflected in their creations—works that not only shaped the way we view the world and experience space but opened up new possibilities for ways of living.

Ticket price: $15 (sliding scale $10) (In person event)

Please email ZXZlbnRzIHwgcHJzICEgb3Jn or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.

ACCESSIBILITY

PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to ZXZlbnRzIHwgcHJzICEgb3Jn before showtime and we will be happy to assist you.

Please note this particular event is being held in a space that is not wheelchair accessible.

REFUND POLICIES

All sales are final. There are no refunds for PRS events, except in the event of a medical emergency, including but not limited to a positive COVID-19 test.

In the event that PRS is forced to cancel an event entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers offered for a rescheduled event

PARKING

Limited parking is available onsite at PRS in both the front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east) and back lot (entry from first alley way, off Griffith Park Blvd. from intersection with Los Feliz Blvd.), as well as street parking on Griffith Park Blvd. and on Los Feliz Blvd (after 7pm). We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, walking or biking to events if possible, and to please be considerate of our Los Feliz neighbors when parking.

PRS EVENT POLICIES

• We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
• Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers.
• We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats.
• Please turn off all mobile devices before the show. Talking and texting are not allowed during the events.
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• We strongly encourage guests to wear masks to PRS events to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
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