Pepperdine University: The Mountain*

Malibu, California

Gruen Associates is the Executive Architect and Landscape Architect for The Mountain, a new Student Recreation and Events Center for Pepperdine University. In collaboration with P+W Denver, the team envisioned the grandeur of a state-of-the-art events center that will satisfy the campus’ needs for a NCAA Division I regulation volleyball and basketball competition venue, event and concert amenities, and additional practice areas for both sports.

As the campus is nestled in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains, a sensitivity to the immediate native plant communities was an important part of the landscape concept for the new design of the surrounding landscape and outdoor gathering areas. A planting plan was developed specific to the coastal environment, which meets the region’s drought-tolerant planting requirements and a practical fire-sensitive landscape palette. The project has expanded to include design and construction standards and guidelines as part of our scope of services.