The Campus at Horton

The Campus at Horton is one of the largest adaptive reuse projects in the western US – converting retail to life science and research space with a net zero approach. The design is poised to create a new, environmentally responsive hub for creative office while actively engaging in the dynamic history and ideas of the site’s past.

Originally designed by The Jerde Partnership in 1985 as one of the world’s first outdoor shopping malls, The Campus at Horton stands on six and a half city blocks in Downtown San Diego. In its new life, existing mall space will become a diverse complex with 300,000 sq. ft. of retail space and 700,000 sq. ft. of creative office, as well as dining areas and landscape.

The outdoor circulation corridor that once connected pedestrians with stores is reimagined as a Canyon brought to life with new, lush landscape. This spine connects the major public areas to a redesigned park at the northeast end.

The design diminishes the heat island effect, promotes stormwater filtration, and generates urban habitat in Downtown San Diego’s core. The park design transforms an underperforming existing public space with no shading and 100% paving to a 75% softscape with over 50% shade coverage through addition of trees. Similar to the spirit of the campus design, the park strategies reuse and repurpose the existing elements to create a 1-acre urban green space for residents and local workers to enjoy.

Location: San Diego, CA

work completed at RIOS