LOHA reinterprets sunset strip billboard with wishbone form in LA

LOHA reinterprets billboard with wishbone form on sunset strip in LA
photo by lawrence anderson
all images courtesy of lorcan o’herlihy architects

to replace a billboard at a prominent location on the sunset strip, LOHA (lorcan o’herlihy architects) have designed and realized ‘sunset billboard 8535’, following a commission by the city of west hollywood. large-scale advertising images characterize the entire los angeles built environment, and in particular this stretch of road. to reinterpret this common urban element, the structure takes a wishbone-like form, with two signs cantilevering from a single post at the base.

the vibrant ‘cobalt-blue’ color stands out amongst its surrounding environment, while linking visually to the sky
photo by lawrence anderson

the curving form of the project rejects the traditional configuration of billboard infrastructure. 90% of the steel tube composition is comprised of straight elements, while three angled pieces serve to provide a sinuous overall nature. the pipes are internally reinforced at the switchbacks to enable stability in the two cantilevers. either sign is oriented for optimal viewing from drivers passing by. the structure’s vibrant ‘cobalt-blue’ color stands out amongst its surrounding environment, while linking visually to the sky.

the sunset 8535 project is the first of a series of billboards to be designed by LOHA.

large scale advertising is a key urban element along sunset boulevard
photo by lawrence anderson

90% of the steel tube composition is comprised of straight elements
photos by lawrence anderson

either sign is oriented for optimal viewing from drivers passing by
photo by jon viscott

a crane lifts the sign’s backing structure into place
photo by jon viscott

the sunset 8535 structure is the first of a series of billboards to be designed by LOHA
photo by jon viscott

plan view

project info:

location: west hollywood, california, united states
program: billboard infrastructure
completion date: 2014
team: lorcan o’herlihy (principal), nick hopson (PM)
photography: lawrence anderson, jon viscott