
	Hover over the icons below to see different stages of the design process:
		Comparison Shot
		Concept Sketches
		Design Development
		Final Rendering

	View an animated fly-by of the arch's star plaza: · Windows Media (2 MB) · QuickTime (2 MB)
	View the Magic Johnson presentation video: · Windows Media (5 MB) · QuickTime (4 MB)
	A deleted scene from 'The Italian Job' featuring the Arch of Fame: · Windows Media (4 MB) · QuickTime (4 MB)

L.A. Sports Arch of Fame · CONCEPT DESIGN AND VISUALIZATION

In October of 1999, the builders of the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles commissioned a public tribute to local sports heroes for the arena's entrance plaza. As a member of the CommArts team, the design concept I proposed was chosen and eventually built.

The design references the triumphal arches of ancient Rome, but at the same time uses modern materials and construction to remain compatible with the clean, high tech style of the arena. It's placement at the Staples Center site was chosen to create a gateway into the main entrance, and at the same time to transform a wheelchair ramp from a legal requirement into a monumental entry.

The arch itself is a steel framework that supports a skin of modular panels. Over time, the panels near eye level were designed to be swapped out with engraved plaques honoring the individual inductees.

After the design was approved, the client wanted to honor the first inductee, Earvin 'Magic' Johnson, right away. Since the arch wasn't yet built at the time, I put together a video sequence that would both introduce the Arch and celebrate the addition of Johnson's plaque. (It happens by magic, of course.)