2019
LA RIVER SIGANGE MASTER PLAN
Environmental Design
Art Director
Spatial Design
Modeling
Pictograms
Special Thanks:
Wayne Hunt(instructor)
at ArtCenter College of Design
Location:
The planning area consists of an approximately
one-milewide, 51-mile-long river corridor and
future opportunities of parks along that corridor.
Brief:
Designed a master plan for Los Angeles River Signage to provide guidance for LA River Revitalization Master Plan Project. The goal was to create a framework along the river with useful signage that reinforced the identity of River Park. The project involved developing the brand identity, public art installations, and a comprehensive signage program, including way-finding, street furniture, pictograms, and art installations.
Status:
Los Angeles River is an iconic landmark that represents what Los Angeles looks like. Currently, the river is at the forefront of social and political agendas because it is undergoing a major transformation. The city of Los Angeles is working with Frank Gehry doing the Los Angeles River Revitalization Project to redevelop the Los AngelesRiver Basin.
Project Description:
This project, a master plan of the Los Angeles River Signage, is prepared to provide guidance for the ongoing and future implementation of the Revitalization Project, aiming to offer a mutual and corresponding supportive connection. As part of the signage master plan, it should have a comprehensive signage program, a brand identity, and environmental graphics that help in unifying the environments surrounding the river. Besides, it needs logical, strategic information to orient and direct visitors to and around the river areas.
Inspirations:
Since the flood control channel was redirected as a “navigable waterway” in the last few years, the region has reembraced its oddball combination of concrete and nature, using the beautiful color of sunset which often heavily represents Los Angeles. Moreover, the Los Angeles River is on the verge of a new era. So, the unique setting of the signage, along with the material palette of the river, is critical.
Problem/Challenge:
A long-neglected part of our city’s landscape, the Los Angeles River once defined life in the area. But the truth is that some of the Los Angeles River basins have been desolated for years. Some challenges include working through researches, going on field trips, and conducting site-visits as well as taking bike rides along the Los Angeles River bike trail and holding interviews.
Concept:
Emphasis of this design’s solution started from creating a unique identity at each location that welcomes, informs, and directs visitors. My concept involves repurposing the concrete for signages, bases, way-findings, street furniture, and art carriers. This would echo the river channel by using an oblique concrete base. On top of it is the sharp black stainless steel with white cut steel letters which stand out clearly in contrast to the colors and will withstand extreme weather conditions.
This information is shown on two sides of the signage, so pedestrians can see the message from a larger range of angles. This is especially fitting for bike paths since the speed of biking is faster.
Public Art Program:
The public art program will bring in cultural immersion and social topics into the creative process, which could be an opportunity for different artists to create their own spaces for public art installations.
These efforts are helping achieve a bold vision for the Los Angeles River that will change the traditional image of the Los Angeles River for people across the region and for future generations, giving it a brand-new look.
