Sunset Junction Competition

 

Our design idea for the Sunset Junction Permanent Installation and Community Plaza is to symbolize meeting points between people. Sunset Junction is a place where people's paths have crossed over the last decades. We want to symbolize these crossings with Parasols. We chose the parasol as an expression of an intimate place for two people. To create an installation that reflects the Silver Lake Community we are forming a circular group with the individual parasols, of different height and color, to represent the unique diversity of this neighborhood. Together this group forms a roof. A roof that will provide shade during the day and solar powered light after sunset. We placed the Parasols in random distance to each other forming the group at the center of the plaza to meet, play and rest.  The lower Parasols can be used for seating and are placed to allow for sitting in the sun or shade at any time during the day.  At night the solar powered 10' - 13'6" Parasols are lit up indirectly by integrated LED lighting and envelope the plaza with a colorful light, reflected off the Parasols. We envision the LED light scheme to change during the night. The appearance of the group changes from each angle due to the different height of the individual Parasols.  By walking and cycling around the perimeter one can experience the dynamic move of the overall form. We think that the group of Parasols will create an intimate, and at the same time, open space, inviting visitors to linger in the shade, to play, sit, move or dance through, or just to meet on, under and around them.  We envision our design with its versatile possibilities of use as an installation that attracts a lot of people and will transform this area into an active and friendly place both during the daytime and the evening.

Sustainability and Function:

•Floor material will be recycled rubber in the center of the plaza under the Parasols. Sidewalks and parking areas will be paved with cobblestone. Both floor materials are very durable and permeable. We envision the cobblestones to be reclaimed granite, brick, bluestone and limestone. These could also be donated from local residents.
•All tube steel and sheet metal will be 100% recycled.
•Small Photovoltaic panels on top of the 10' - 13'6" Parasols will provide solar powered energy for integrated LED lighting, which is very durable and long lasting.
•Parasol color scheme: We envision the LED lights to change their color during the night. We also think that the color scheme of the Parasols could evolve influenced by Silver Lake locals, artists, stores etc or even by events like the Sunset Junction Street Fair. 
•New Planters will be installed along the sidewalk, the parking areas and the bike racks, with drought tolerant Southern California trees.
•Bike racks are provided for at least 25 bicycles. In addition, bicycles can be locked to any of the Parasols.
•The whole installation will be maintenance free and will not provide any surface for graffiti or tagging.
•Additional Parasols could be implemented along Sunset and Santa Monica Blvd for street lighting and extending the Parasol plaza concept.
•Homeless encampment will be discouraged since the whole installation is very open and easy to monitor.