The glitz, glamour, and artistry of the entertainment industry established the design theme for four streetscape sites in "the City of the Stars": Hollywood, California. However, research and materials testing was the key to implementing the wide array of thematic elements in the streetscape demonstration project designed by Los Angeles-based Melendrez Associates in collaboration with local artists.

While the beautification focus of the $4.5 million project was to increase pedestrian activity and security in support of retail commerce, thereby enlivening the historic district, the Landscape Architect's role was also to assist individual artists in obtaining city approvals.

"An incredible amount of research went into the design," said Lauren Melendrez. "A prototype of every element was made. The City Bureau of Standards laboratory tested everything for safety and durability, from custom pavement finishes to materials tensile strength."

The Hollywood Boulevard Streetscape Demonstration Project is a result of collaboration between the consultants; the City of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency; LA Councilman Michael Woo; Prof. Allan B. Jacobs, Department of City and Regional Planning, UC Berkeley; Projects for Public Spaces; and local artists.