To help improve the pedestrian experience and safety of residents in the Los Angeles Highland Park neighborhood, SWA landscape architects designed mosaic tiles with cultural themes. The tiles will be embedded in sidewalks near key intersections along a 10-block strip.

SWA is known for large-scale master planning, but the firm's studio-like structure with seven locations allows quick turnaround of smaller projects.

SWA is working with the nonprofit community group LANI (Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative) to improve the pedestrian experience and safety along a 10-block corridor in the historic L.A. neighborhood of Highland Park. Mosaic tiles will be embedded in architectural concrete in the sidewalks at key intersections. The mosaics are meant as tactile and visual cues for motorists and pedestrians, with the aim to make the streets safer for pedestrians.

Historic images of people, places, and special events in Highland Park decorate the tiles.

"I enjoy working with community groups, where the underlying goals align with my personal interests," says Ying-Yu Hung, managing principal of SWA's L.A. office. "These projects are not only functional, but also beautiful and meaningful to the users."