Creating a Sense of Place

THROUGH A CREATIVE MIX OF LIFESTYLE ELEMENTS, PUBLIC ART AND DESIGN, THE NEW OTC AIMS TO CREATE A PLACE THAT IS UNIQUELY OCEANSIDE AND CELEBRATES THE CITY’S PAST AND PRESENT.

The design team took inspiration from the nearby sights, sounds, sand, and surf to create a distinct yet complementary sense of place so each project site would integrate into the existing context. We continue to explore additional opportunities to incorporate elements that make Oceanside special and celebrate its diverse history.

DESIGN ELEMENTS

• The landscaping palette includes an integrated, diverse mix of species, including native and regionally appropriate plant materials to provide color, texture, and celebrate seasonality. The goal is to create new environments that work contextually within the areas they are built, resulting in a water-wise landscape that will perform well in this climate.
  Click here to download the proposed plant materials. Please note that the landscaping plans are still being reviewed and are subject to City approval.

• In response to community feedback, the project has been modified to reduce the amount of hardscaping and create a park-like experience in the Station Plaza. Palm trees have also been replaced by a variety of canopy trees.

• Plans for a comprehensive wayfinding and signage program are in process. A primary objective is to enhance the transit experience. The signage program is aimed to be interesting yet functional to enable easy and efficient circulation around the site.

• Public art will be integrated into the project. We’re in the process of meeting with local groups and interested parties to discuss curation and management of the public arts program. The public art within the future Transit Center is envisioned to include a diverse representation of local artists to help tell the story of Oceanside.

• The architecture is designed to activate Cleveland Street to encourage walkability.

• Building components like stoops and balconies on the residential units help to break up the building facades and create visual interest.

HAVE AN IDEA?

Thank you to those of you who have submitted suggestions to us so far. Please feel free to email us examples of artists, concepts, or structures you find interesting. These elements can be from other transit centers, places around town, or even things you’ve seen through your own travels. We love seeing the creative ways other developments are approaching everyday items like bike lockers/storage, signage and wayfinding, and community gathering areas.

Aesthetics Meeting - 4/26/23

Aesthetics were the focus of the third thematic meeting hosted by the project team. The presentation highlighted the design elements above and provided examples of project modifications that respond to community input. The project architect and landscape architect described the vision for the project as well as the approach and architectural concepts incorporated within the design.