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In the course of our daily reporting, we often uncover unusual projects, places, or connections that don't make the final cut. Instead of keeping it to ourselves, we're pleased to share our daily architrivia.
Though the skyline of Los Angeles has certainly grown in size over the past 40 years, the rooftops of many new skyscrapers have not grown in complexity. That's because a 1974 fire ordinance required all new towers be equipped with a rooftop helipad for emergency rescue situations. The law was enacted following two deadly blazes in Brazil with the hope that if a large fire broke out in a Los Angeles skyscraper, helicopters would be able to land and save lives. In 1988, five people were rescued from the rooftop by helicopter after a fire raged through the Aon Center, the city's second tallest building.
The result of the ordinance is clearly visible by glancing at a satellite image of Los Angeles, where hundreds of building helipads encompass huge portions of the roof. In September 2014, the law was amended, eliminating the need for a landing pad so long as extra fire safety measures, such as a dedicated firefighter service elevator, are included in new skyscrapers. The amended law has come as a pleasant surprise to architects who will now be given more freedom to make a distinctive mark on the skyline.
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