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Public & Cultural Yura Lotonenko Public & Cultural Yura Lotonenko

Urban Intervention — San Diego Theater Plaza Transformation. San Diego, California

An urban intervention where landscape architecture meets art. This project transforms public space into a living canvas — merging ecology, culture, and community engagement into a meaningful urban experience.

Merging abstract art and landscape design to reimagine public space in the heart of San Diego.

Welcome to LASD Studio, where we redefine spaces through the innovative practice of Urban Intervention. Our passion lies in breathing new life into urban environments, and one of our standout projects is the transformation of San Diego theatre space into a dynamic and vibrant area.

What is Urban Intervention? Urban Intervention is an artful and purposeful approach to reimagining public spaces. It involves injecting creativity and energy into the existing urban fabric, turning mundane spaces into dynamic and engaging environments. At LASD Studio, we believe in the power of design to positively impact communities and enrich the human experience. Through Urban Intervention, we create spaces that captivate, inspire, and foster a sense of connection.

 

Concept Vision — Urban Intervention as Living Art


Urban Intervention is more than renovation; it is the infusion of creativity and ecology into the city’s fabric. For San Diego Theater Plaza, we envisioned a dynamic landscape canvas — where pathways, planting, and art invite interaction and celebration.

Dynamic Geometry


Angular and curvilinear pathways converge like brushstrokes on a canvas, turning movement itself into an artistic experience. The geometry frames plazas, gardens, and gathering spaces, encouraging exploration and surprise.

Vibrant Color Palette


Seasonal plantings and abstract art introduce bold colors year-round — fiery autumn tones, serene winter whites, vibrant spring blossoms, and lush summer greens. This evolving palette reflects the energy and diversity of San Diego’s community.

Interactive Sculptures & Lighting


Abstract sculptures and artistic lighting transform the plaza into a cultural stage. By day, the sculptures invite tactile interaction; by night, illuminated trees and pathways create a magical atmosphere of urban art in motion.

Community & Cultural Impact


The plaza becomes more than a public square — it becomes a destination. Designed to uplift well-being, celebrate diversity, and spark creativity, the project transforms San Diego Theater Plaza into a hub of connection, performance, and pride.

 

Construction Work in Progress Landscape Design Installation

Positive Effects on the Urban Environment

Cultural Hub


The redesigned San Diego Theater Plaza will become a true cultural landmark. By embracing abstract art and landscape design, it will attract not only local residents but also art lovers and visitors from across the region, positioning the Plaza as an artistic destination.

Green Oasis


The new abstract garden introduces much-needed greenery into the city center. Native and adaptive planting will improve air quality, reduce the urban heat island effect, and create a healthier, more sustainable urban environment — offering both beauty and ecological function.

Community Gathering


Dynamic pathways, interactive sculptures, and seasonal planting will make the Plaza a magnet for social life, performances, and public events. It will become a space where people come together, fostering unity, creativity, and civic pride.

Economic Revitalization


With higher foot traffic and cultural prominence, the surrounding neighborhood will also thrive. Local cafés, restaurants, and shops will benefit from the influx of visitors, helping to revitalize the local economy and enrich the city’s cultural fabric.


The San Diego Theater Plaza transformation is more than a design — it is a vision for the future of urban life. By weaving together art, nature, and community, the project creates a living masterpiece: a plaza that inspires, heals, and connects. It stands as a testament to the power of design in shaping vibrant cities, reminding us that public spaces can be both functional and profoundly meaningful.

A short film of LASD Studio’s Urban Intervention at San Diego Theater Plaza, reimagining the city center as a cultural hub with abstract art, dynamic geometry, interactive sculptures, and lush planting. The design transforms the plaza into a living work of art — a place for community, ecology, and urban vitality.

 

EXISTING CONDITION


“ We love everything you guys created!

This is a very unique and modern concept that we would like to see in our future!

What you come up with we could not imagine, but we love it!”


- San Diego Theatres boards.


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