Transportation Systems
Sunset Hub sits at the intersection of people, vehicles, and infrastructure within today's transforming mobility system. The project examines how technology and changing socio-economic norms is changing West Hollywood's identity. We met with local residents and conducted research with West Hollywood’s city council to learn about their experiences along Sunset Boulevard.
We learned about the cause of congestion along the corridor—most often due to the mismatch between vehicles and the availability of curb space. Each intersection has its own unique traits and challenges.
Concept Sketches
Initial prototypes were quickly drawn using simple 2D renders for rapid design feedback. Early ideas explored innovations in vehicle to vehicle communication and in transforming street infrastructure. However, we needed to further consider the impact of peak hour traffic and the potential for sudden influxes of people. This led to the designs that inspired Sunset Hub.
The flexible hub concept brought infrastructure changes off the streets and into flexible architectural spaces. This allowed the design to dynamically adjust to demand and more optimally utilize its footprint.
Site Study
Site studies were done in collaboration with UCLA's SUPRASTUDIO in order to learn how transportation systems and city-planning intersect. This collaboration between the two fields helped to inspire greater insights and new design considerations.
A thorough analysis of peak hours was conducted for every transportation and hospitality venue along Sunset Boulevard. Peak demand was seen to change dramatically over the course of each day.
Film created by Abdullah AlQabandi.
Model and Animation
The Sunset Hub was designed and created within PTC Creo. Building from early sketches, the hub assembly is created from stacked layers of concentric double helical ramps, double spiral escalators, and rideshare zones.
The design is dimensioned for large vehicles and can manage a steady flow of people and rideshare. Additional details such as EV chargers, furnishings, playgrounds, and more were added to bring the concept to life. All animation was built and rendered in 3DS Max.