Gateway to L.A.: A Moment of Silence
Internal Design Conference 2008; Second place
What draws people to Los Angeles? Why do so many choose to move here?
People from Asia, Mexico, Europe, and across the United States come to L.A. in search of opportunity.
They see hope in this city—a chance to achieve their dreams, to find success, to become someone significant.
L.A. represents the promise of a better future.
This new gateway should embody these values: hope and opportunity.
In this design, I want people to experience a sense of anticipation as if something transformative lies ahead.
As they approach, silence takes over. A moment of stillness. A deep breath. They are entering a new space—one that demands presence, without overthinking.
I want them to feel the transition, to recognize the movement from one realm to another.
This is the gateway to L.A. A moment of silence.
A continuous, massive coil generates an electromagnetic field within the space, blocking all signals—no radio, no phone calls.
White noise is introduced, dampening the surrounding sounds and creating an auditory void.
As cars enter, the familiar hum of the city fades into nothingness.
The exterior plays with solid and void elements, offering a dynamic visual experience as travelers approach.
The solid ribbons become denser toward the tunnel’s end, casting deeper shadows.
The rhythm builds—tick, tick, tick—until, suddenly, an explosive release. Boom.
