He's accurately viewed as the greatest architect in the world

Robert Maguire, developer

"What we would like to develop is a thinktank for the entertainment industry in Southern California - a real nucleus of people that live in a very creative atmosphere," said developer Robert Maguire.

The site was once owned by eccentric millionaire and aviation enthusiast Howard Hughes.

It was later earmarked for a headquarters for Stephen Spielberg's Dreamworks studio - but is also known as something of a wildlife haven.

The announcement of Gehry's involvement is seen as lending prestige to the development, which will also have 13,900 new homes and 185,800 sq m of commercial space.

Hard-edged

Work on the four Gehry buildings is set to start in autumn 2002.

Initial designs put forward to developers suggest that Gehry is planning atypically hard-edged buildings, inspired by the site's aircraft hangar where Howard Hughes built his giant Spruce Goose seaplane in the 1940s.

Gehry's involvement: Brings project prestige

The site plans call for the complete restoration of all the historic Hughes buildings on the site, ranging from Hughes' original office to the massive Spruce Goose hangar itself.

Maguire said of Gehry: "We are friends and we have worked on a variety of projects together over the years - I think he's accurately viewed as the greatest architect in the world."

But local environmental groups like the Sierra Club say the Playa Vista development will damage the surrounding Ballona Wetlands.

Endangered

They argue that methane deposits below Playa Vista will make the development unsafe for future residents.

They are also worried about endangered species including the Great Blue Heron that live in the area.

"They shouldn't be building anything there," said Rex Frankel, a Sierra Club board member.

"There should be no more development on natural open spaces in Los Angeles - instead, money should be spent on redeveloping areas that have been neglected by the city for years."