LAGUNA HILLS, CA - February 23, 2020 – The International-award-winning Firm, Architecture Design Collaborative, looks well beyond 2021 as Mall Developers, Landlords and Retailers seek innovative and creative solutions in a post-pandemic world. Pre-pandemic challenges have accelerated as the obstacles to filling vacant space and lure customers increases.
The next few years are going to impact the built environment in ways not seen before. The recovery from pandemic, social and economic impacts have created fresh opportunities for design professionals to define what this world will look like, how it will function, and how it can adapt to future changes. ADC is actively working to reimagine the physical space, and not only how people shop, but how they live overall. Mixed use repositioning, which was well underway prior to the pandemic, is now expanding to include lifestyle amenities and blend into the fabric of the communities these properties reside in.
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Found off the coast of California, this site takes an existing wing of a local mall, and transforms it into a lifestyle center with retail, restaurants, and an apartment complex. Outward facing retail showcases an inviting destination for the community with restaurants that connects the site directly to Capistrano Beach.
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This outdoor shopping center was redesigned to invite consumers into an improved shopping experience. The existing concrete floors were recolored for a more neutral approach. Shading structures were dispersed throughout the walkway to provide respite from the hot sun while also introducing vibrant colors to the space. Low curbs found across the center were raised to create tall planters and seating for guests, and they were wrapped with wood slats to create a warm and inviting environment.
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Village at Orange is a mixed-use project located in Orange County, CA. At the ground level, pedestrians are greeted with retail shops and dining experiences that activate the walkway. A multi-car dealership showcases luxury cars and spans across two blocks with a pedestrian bridge that connects the spaces. Above, two towers house high-end residential units, which overlook the city as well as the spacious pool deck and rooftop gardens – amenities that invite residents to enjoy the outdoors.
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Many malls across the nation have been losing foot traffic and developers are looking for ways to activate spaces to draw guests in. For this shopping center, ADC redesigned the center court to incorporate seating space for people to dwell, work, relax, and yet feel like they are in their own private quarters. The tall, sheer curtains create a statement piece in the center court of the mall while also providing a place of serenity amongst the busy shopping experience.
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The design approach for this food court was to create a non-traditional dining experience within the shopping center. Upon entering the vicinity, guest will encounter low ottomans that provide unique gathering opportunities. The central core of the space mimics a moody, high-end lounge with low lighting, rich colors, and eclectic soft seating. In the surrounding areas, a hierarchy of dining arrangements are available for guests, including banquettes, bar tops, and traditional loose seating and tables.
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Davis Collection aims to provide a lively outdoor experience for the residents of Davis, CA. The multi-family residential structure and redevelopment promotes cycling for users and boasts a collection of outdoor gathering spaces on the ground level for the local community that is enriched with students. Retail shops and restaurants are abundant throughout the site and are interwoven with exterior amenities, including pavilions, lounge seating and bike paths that people can enjoy.
Such great change in such a short amount of time as we see now, has created an environment ripe for REVOLUTION, rather than mere revision. There is a reversal required; an “un-building” of the existing retail world is required before progress can continue. ADC’s clients are open to look beyond previous solutions, to redevelop traditional retail properties to meet this revolution.
The number of people downsizing to smaller residences will continue to increase drastically as more of the population will be working from home, at least part time and more people retire. This will drive an increased demand for mixed use redevelopment. This is a win-win for developers as underutilized retail space and overflow parking can be repositioned to accommodate condos and apartments, juxtaposed with restaurants, entertainment venues and other amenities the residents can walk to. This in turn creates a vibrant development for residents to live-work-play while creating immediate traffic for retailers and restaurants.
ADC defines itself as a Firm committed to seek out solutions which embrace this new world head-on. Our Firm has built itself on the idea that collaboration is the key to discovery, and that success comes from considering multiple perspectives. Thinking outside of the box, ADC is working with mall owners and developers to add more value and multiple-use solutions to under-utilized property assets. In a burgeoning culture that craves authenticity and experiences, the following are just a few examples of trends ADC is working with owners to implement in current and future projects:
Contact:
Craig Chinn, President, AIA, NCARB
[email protected]
www.adcollaborative.com
