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Image © Babak Bassir

Recently executive architects,Omniplan ^[4] literally blew the roof off of Frank Gehry’s ^[5] Santa Monica Place ^[6], pursuing hopes of LEED Silver ^[7] in one of the United State’s largest sustainable retail renovations. The $265-million makeover turned the enclosed three-story 1980′s structure into an outdoor mall experience. Although we are admittedly not thrilled by sustainable renovations that cater to more consumerism, we were a little bit tipsy about the green building strategies featured throughout the 200,000 square feet of public space that are now open to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

^[8]Image © Babak Bassir

More than a decade in the making, the project was actually scaled down in 2007 to the current million-dollar price tag — but the 9,000 square-foot dining deck still offers incredible views of the ocean. The open-air renovation significantly reduced the need for air conditioning while improving the actual air quality of the shopping experience. All the landscaping throughout Santa Monica Place is drought resistant, and there’s a number of green roof ^[9] patches throughout the complex. High-efficiency lighting fixtures and smart controls have been integrated throughout the project, and preferred parking spaces have been set aside for hybrid vehicles ^[10].

Image © Babak Bassir

In addition to bringing on the Jerde Partnership ^[11] to design the new Santa Monica Place ^[6], Inhabitat favorites Pugh + Scarpa ^[12] contributed to the design of the adjacent parking structure. Despite an unsteady economy, Santa Monica Place shows no sign of slowing following last month’s opening.

+ Jerde Partnership ^[11]

+ Santa Monica Place ^[6]

Images © Babak Bassir