Sunset Triangle Plaza opened under the auspices of Streets for
People (S4P), an initiative of the City of Los Angeles Planning
Commission and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. RCHS
contributed our time to develop a set of design elements that would
transform an underutilized public right of way into a safe, pleasant,
and vibrant public space for pedestrians and cyclists alike.
S4P’s key concept is to quickly and inexpensively reclaim under-used
street space and involve local residents and businesses in the design
and maintenance. Using paint and planters allowed the program to
recapture this street in months, rather than decades, and for thousands,
rather than millions, of dollars.
Sunset Triangle Plaza is outlined by rows of planters working as
bollards to demarcate the 11,000-square-foot site. Moveable bistro
tables with umbrellas and chairs and a whimsical painted street surface
help create a community atmosphere and a respite in the middle of a busy
neighborhood. The existing pocket park complements the new plaza.
The twice-weekly farmer’s market continues to operate uninterrupted,
parking spaces were added back in along Sunset Boulevard to accommodate
for some of those lost in the planning, and all street furniture is
brought inside each evening to maintain its quality and cleanliness.
The pilot project will be in place for approximately one year.