Dillon Diers, a Managing Principal at OJB, is speaking at the ICSC Centerbuild conference tomorrow in Arizona on “The Making of an LA Flagship – The Redevelopment of Westfield Century City. He will be joining Scott Titmus and Brendon Kottler from Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield in discussing their design approach to the shopping space and the challenges they faced.

Westfield has reimagined what a genuine LA shopping experience should be by breaking the rules and setting new standards in every aspect of the creation and completion of the Century City project. The new $1-billion-plus redevelopment of Westfield Century City focused on who the customers are and what a shopping center for this unique user could be. By incorporating design viewpoint, a novel mix of leasing, a variety of performances, event and pop-up spaces, and integrated innovative digital, IT and customer service platforms, Westfield created a place that showcases the LA lifestyle. Challenges included the demolition of three quarters of the existing center and an adjacent office building, the preservation of 60-year-old trees and sculptures, and a phased buildout on a tight site with many logistical challenges, all while keeping the rest of the center open and operating.