SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA
Santa Monica spans three unique landscape typologies: the beach, the city, and the mountains. The landscape for this mixed-use development in the Bergamot neighborhood of Santa Monica takes inspiration from these three different geologic regions and their unique soil profiles. The different scale and arrangement of soil particles were conceptualized as patterns and perforations in the landscape.
Targeting creative industries, the project prioritizes public space to facilitate collaboration, provide pedestrian access, and encourage connection to the surrounding Bergamot Area neighborhood. The streetscape for the development acts as a linear plaza that punctures through the development for mid-block connections. The central courtyard space continues down to the subterranean levels. Perforations in the terra firma allow for sunlight and pedestrian access to the semi-public spaces below. Additional perforations in the hardscape allow for plantings to puncture through and graphic landforms to emerge at different scales. Graphic pavements and materials visually the various park levels, while paying homage to the geology, vibrant art scene, and iconic attractions of Santa Monica.