As a vital link in Los Angeles County's multi-modal transportation system, the Metro Gold Line spans 13.7 miles between Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and Sierra Madre Villa in east Pasadena. The 13 rail stations along the route connect a diverse cross section of neighborhoods and individuals, while alleviating traffic congestion on two of the region's busiest freeways. Through innovative urban design and landscape architecture, the Meléndrez design team worked diligently to create continuity and landscape character along the Gold Line, while responding to the individual environmental context at each of the 13 stations. The team recognized early on that there was an opportunity for the Gold Line to enhance each community it passes through, and worked closely with local artists and stakeholders to ensure that the project was a success. Issues such as mitigation of the light rail's impact on residents, the importance of preserving the identity of each community, the continuity of the line as a whole, and the experience of the traveler while on the train were addressed by the Meléndrez design team. Landscape and urban design elements, paving, and wall treatments are used to provide a unifying thread among individually designed stations. Each station incorporates individual design elements, such as Feng Shui-inspired plaza design in Chinatown, eclectic contemporary touches in the Southwest Museum station and historic forms in the Highland Park station. The services provided by Meléndrez create a dynamic and attractive environment for the tens of thousands of passengers that ride the Gold Line daily. The resulting landscape impacts each community positively, infusing residents with a renewed sense of pride. Back To Index