According to Kevin Horn, a principal at RTKL Associates, Inc. of Los Angeles, CA, the goal of the renovation was to update and brighten up the mall. “We wanted to infuse it with story and character,†said Horn. “Since it's near the ocean, we wanted to bring in wave forms and nod to the location without being too literal.â€
Jerusalem Gold Light limestone was used at the signature entrance of the mall, and was also used on vertical surfaces for cladding at the elevator towers and the bases of some graphic elements. The limestone was chosen because of its softer texture. “Granite can be a visually busy texture, so the limestone is a quieter, more neutral contrast,†explained Horn, who added that selecting the exterior limestone was much easier than choosing the interior granite.