You remember the old Santa Monica Place, right? No? That wouldn’t be surprising, because it wasn’t exactly the most inspiring mall that’s ever graced SoCal. But if you haven’t yet had a chance to visit its reincarnation from ugly duckling to eco-fabulous swan, well, you should.
The old indoor mall in the Third Street neighborhood has now been transformed into a LEED-compliant outdoor center. Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design is an internationally recognized green building certification system, developed by the US Green Building Council. That means power that went into lighting, A/C, ventilation and climate control can now be conserved; that, plus the new solar roof, will actually save enough energy to power 90 homes. The redesign also features low-emitting paints and adhesives, water-efficient landscaping and utilities, and recycled building materials.
“The approach of the entire project…was inspired by the seaside community of Santa Monica and the lifestyle represented by the local citizens,” explained Matt Heller of the architectural firm Jerde, which was responsible for the new design. Architect David Rogers, the principal designer, said, “Santa Monica is best experienced outside in the sunshine and ocean breezes, so removing the roof was a necessary part of tying the new project into the urban experience. To make Santa Monica Place function like a part of the city, we also took great care both to make it look and feel like a natural part…of downtown.”
With organic forms and soft colors inspired by the beach and pier, seating and spaces for exhibits and performances, and a swanky rooftop dining deck–with views of the Pacific to the mountains, fireplaces & cabanas (which has already played host to a series of KCRW deejay nights), the new Santa Monica Place may defy the usual consumerist model of your average American mall. In fact, it might just end up being the kind of vibrant community center so many of today’s mall-designers try to create—because it’s actually good for the community.
