# Mosaic-Encrusted Architecture Watts Towers in LA By Bianca | Published 2008-03-04 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mosaic-architecture-watts-towers-la References: [weburbanist](http://weburbanist.com/2008/03/02/5-incredible-works-of-insane-architectural-genius-wooden-skyscrapers-to-recycled-wonderlands/#more-681) This really unique piece of architecture reminds me of something you'd see in the Myst computer games. The details are really quite remarkable, with trinkets like plates in different colours grouted to the walls to make a [vibrant mosaic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/almais-office). The [pointy needle like towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/torre-vases) look like they were sculpted by hand, yet at their height, the possibility is unlikely. The Watts Towers in Los Angeles are encrusted with [plates, glass and ceramics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/painting-exhibition) with no colour left out. There are big pieces and tiny splinters, round shapes and jagged. The structure is the work of Simon Rodia, an Italian who moved to the US and began this art project in LA. "What started out as a few random art projects became a vast and semi-abstract architectural masterpiece known as the Watts Towers, complete with a gazebo, fountain, bird baths and other assorted structures reaching up to 100 feet in height," WebUrbanist.com said. "These were comprised of shells, scrap metal, pottery shards, rocks, glass and pretty much any other random material he could find. For the main structural elements he employed steel, cement, mortar and wire mesh and assembled all of his creations without the assistance of scaffolding." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.1/10 - Popularity: 8% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Mosaic-encrusted Architecture:** Explore the use of mosaic designs in architecture to create vibrant and unique structures. - **Sculptural Art Installations:** Discover the possibilities of creating intricate and large-scale art installations using unconventional materials. - **Handcrafted Building Techniques:** Learn about the artistic and structural possibilities of handcrafted construction methods. ### Who This Affects Most - **Art and Design:** Artists and designers can incorporate mosaic elements into their architectural and sculptural creations. - **Tourism and Hospitality:** Travel and hospitality industries can promote the Watts Towers as a unique attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into innovative art installations. - **Construction and Architecture:** Architects and builders can explore the artistic and structural potential of incorporating unconventional materials and techniques in their projects. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Paper-Made Mosaic Artwork](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/real-life-architecture-exhibition.md) - [Scenic Architecture Lamps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/architecture-inspired-table-lamp.md) - [Castle-Inspired Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hollywood-hills-house-1.md) - [Dream-Adorned Mosaic Benches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cosmologyscape.md) - [Wabi-Sabi-Inspired LA Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sierra-towers.md) - [Futuristic Cultural Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-lucas-museum-of-narrative-arts.md) - [Eclipse-Themed Rooftop Artworks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arc-zero.md) - [Stacked Pebble-Inspired Towers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calais-port-tower.md) - [Stackable Clay Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/torre-vases.md)