# Sculptural Sunken Gardens Montalba Architects Renovates an Iconic Building in Los Angeles By Kalin Ned | Published 2023-08-11 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sunken-garden References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2023/08/10/montalba-architects-sunken-garden-edward-durrell-stone-landmark-renovation/) One of the central focal points of [Montalba Architects'](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oasislike-urban-hotel) renovation of the iconic mid-century [Perpetual Savings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/face-plant-planter) and Loan Bank—now known as 9720 Wilshire—in Los Angeles is a sculptural sunken garden found within the building's plaza. Montalba Architects employed a renovation strategy that sees the careful preservation of the building's historic mid-century origin and the careful infusion of modern design elements that refresh the aesthetic. The sunken garden definitely draws attention with its architectural character, with bronze prongs nodding to the [mid-century building's aesthetic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/residence-ave-duchastel). Subtle illumination and the verdant garden found within contribute to the sculpture's visual impact. The sunken garden, occupying the space of what was once a central fountain, extends into the building's basement. Image Credit: Montalba Architects ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 63% | Activity: 31% | Freshness: 17% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## 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 - **Sculptural Sunken Gardens:** The incorporation of a sculptural sunken garden in renovation projects presents an opportunity for architects to merge historic and modern design elements. - **Bronze Prongs:** The use of bronze prongs in architectural features offers a unique design element that can add aesthetic value to buildings. - **Verdant Gardens:** The creation of verdant gardens within buildings provides an opportunity to bring elements of nature into urban spaces. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** The field of architecture can leverage the trend of sculptural sunken gardens to create innovative and visually stunning designs. - **Interior Design:** Interior designers can explore the use of bronze prongs as a distinctive and eye-catching feature in their projects. - **Landscaping:** The landscaping industry can capitalize on the trend of incorporating verdant gardens within buildings to create unique and immersive experiences for clients. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Oasis-Like Urban Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oasislike-urban-hotel.md) - [Sculptural LA Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cm-g1.md) - [Garden-Focused Victorian Terrace House](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/helvetia.md) - [Garden-Connected Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-waverley-house.md) - [Hillside Mid-Century Renos](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pasadena-hillside-home.md) - [Garden Oasis Renovated Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hidden-garden-house.md) - [Sleek Garden-Edge Renovations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/waverley-house.md) - [Skylit Belgian Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/he-winter-garden.md) - [Art Garden Sanctuaries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/calder-gardens.md)