Walt Disney Concert Hall, Swan & Dolphin Hotels make list of America’s iconic architecture

The American Institute of Architects released the results of a poll listing America’s 150 most popular architectural structures. Two ‘Disney’ structures made the list. The Swan & Dolphin Hotels ring in at #70 and The Walt Disney Concert Hall squeaks in the top 100 at #99. The Swan & Dolphin Hotels were designed by architect Michael Graves as part of former Disney CEOs push to bring world class architecture to Disney’s studio and themepark buildings. The hotels remain controversial since they are visible from within Epcot. They are also the only two hotels located in the heart of the Walt Disney World property operated by an outside company — Sheraton’s Starwood resorts. The Starwood brand is now run by ex-Disneyland President Matt Ouimet.

The Walt Disney Concert Hall experienced a big struggle just to get built. After the initial $50 million donation by Lillian Disney, Walt’s wife, only managed to get the parking structure built under the hall’s eventual location, another $200 million was raised to complete the Frank Gehry designed structure. Since its completion, the hall has become the focus point for a renewed downtown community in Los Angeles. Even though Gehry’s steel cladding had to be sanded down to reduce the sun’s glare, the hall is still magnificent.

The top 150 list was generate in a public pull. 248 structures were identified by members of the American Institute of Architects. Then 1804 US Adults were surveyed to generate the final list. So in other words, take this with a grain of salt. (Link)