8150 Sunset Boulevard
(Image copyright Visualhouse)
In August 2016, developers Townscape Partners unveiled design concepts by the legendary architect Frank Gehry for a mixed-use development at 8150 Sunset Boulevard – on Los Angeles’ iconic ‘Sunset Strip’.
Gehry’s plan, one of several design alternatives proposed by Townscape for the site, features five interrelated and complementary structures, including two residential buildings, as well as distinct buildings and green spaces for retail, entertainment, and public gathering.
The Gehry plan addresses specific design needs for the 8150 Sunset Boulevard site, including the desirability of creating welcoming pedestrian spaces between the buildings, keeping the Sunset Boulevard street front height low - to relate in scale to other buildings in the area - and optimising views of the city from the two residential structures.
This is in contrast to the traditional view of such developments as residential towers on a podium. Instead, the Gehry design establishes five distinctive structures, each with its own character and all united at a common plaza accessible from the street level, with parking offered entirely below grade.
The three-storey retail building that sits at street level, along Sunset Boulevard, will have glulam mullions supporting a glass curtain wall, and will feature a marquee element. There will be an interior open-air plaza, the centre of which will hold the ‘jewel’ in the heart of the project; a structure whose facade is made of stone cylinders and cones and which will house programmable space and retail.
Landscape is an integral part of Gehry’s overall architectural concept, both at the ground-level central plaza and the various terraces in the building design. The buildings feature stepping terraces at both ends of Sunset Boulevard, mediating the scale at these intersections to the street level. All terraces will feature landscape and trees visible from east and west vantage points along Sunset. Additional landscape elements climb into the upper parts of the project, creating amenity and terraces for residents as well as stitching the project into the Hollywood hillside, topped with a landscaped roof.
Comprising around 334,000 sq ft (31,000m2) of space and 249 residential units, and already certified as a California Environmental Leadership Development Project (ELDP), the buildings are expected to achieve a LEED environmental rating of Silver or higher and will add net-zero additional emissions of greenhouse gases.
All content and images courtesy of Gehry Partners.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.