Sunset Islands

PROPOSAL FOR A PUBLIC PLAZA

Sunset Islands converts an underutilized section of street into a new pedestrian plaza in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles. Anchored by a native specimen tree, the design of the plaza includes seating, planting areas, bicycle parking, and custom lighting elements. These assorted components are integrated into a cohesive urban space by a formal language—a series of shapes, defined by varied ground materials, relates the different uses to one another and imparts an overall clarity to the space of the plaza. The components are also integrated through an overlap of function. In this sense, each component does double-duty: sculptural lighting elements illuminate the plaza while also acting as a neighborhood gateway; porous paving surfaces define different zones within the space while also allowing storm run-off to be absorbed into the ground water system; curving stepped benches provide seating, define planters, and create a theater-like space.