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Los Angeles Metro Rail Redline

Hollywood / Highland Station
Los Angeles, California

Collaboration was the operative word for the Hollywood & Highland project.   The artist Sheila Klein, architect Cannon Design, and HLB worked together, with overlapping responsibilities to make an inspirational underground environment for passengers of the Red Line.   The team was challenged with the task of using a prescribed palette of MTA Standard equipment.  

Fluorescent washlights and compact floodlights hide in the curves and folds of the art/architecture.   The flower like elements, constructed by the artist, were carefully sized to carry the uplighting for the inner belly of the ceiling.   The platform itself is lighted with a highly tuned linear fluorescent signlight at the edges.   The color and finish of all of the materials were carefully considered, with the intention of lifting and expanding the two-story space with light.   As you ascend to the mezzanine level, the ceiling comes closer, and is more quietly lighted, emphasizing the change in scale and allowing focus on the surrounding walls.   Another escalator ride reveals the last bit of light art, winking a hello or goodbye.   HID projectors are used with alternating irises, timed to look like animated sets of eyes, watching you to keep you safe.  

The Metro Rail's lighting design has been recognized with an IIDA Award of Merit.