Portfolio: Lakeline Mall

By Ryan McBride, CCO

We’re currently working on a project in El Paso, Texas, (more on that soon) and it’s got me thinking about some of the previous projects we’ve done in the Lone Star State.

Back in the mid-nineties, Simon Property Group hired us to design the entertainment core of the Lakeline Mall in Austin. The space would feature a movie theatre, food court and other attractions.

We were intrigued by the fact that the City of Austin does not allow any buildings to be taller than the state capitol dome. We used that building code to take a unique approach to the interior architecture at Lakeline. We designed a corridor of building facades that literally bend forward, a homage to the Capitol building and other aspects of the Austin community. The result is an innovative curved ceiling, as well as unique features that make the entertainment core stand out.

There are also great signage installations in this space. A lot of the imagery and iconology was inspired by traditional Texas themes. The space was intended to add some fun and whimsy, which was not common in shopping centers at that time.

Our Lakeline Mall project hit just as traditional shopping malls were starting to consider how to incorporate entertainment and drive more foot traffic.