Int’l landscape firm creates indoor oasis at Robinsons Galleria Cebu

Robinsons Galleria Cebu has unique landscape design features. CONTRIBUTED

NEWPORT BEACH, California — The landscape architectural firm behind iconic retail centers such as The Grove in Los Angeles and Pacific City in Huntington Beach, has completed the landscape design of Robinsons Galleria, a multimillion-dollar, multistory shopping destination in Cebu.

Lifescapes International, based in Newport Beach, California, created for Robinsons Galleria Cebu unique design elements such as a bubble wall with LED lighting and a 25-foot flower guitar (erected for the center’s grand opening, and due to its popularity, is still installed), captures the destination feel of an outdoor oasis, but brings it entirely indoors. The Galleria is located within a 380,485 square-meter mixed-use development

“Retail owners continue to seek new ways to deliver immersive experiences that attract repeat visitors,” says Julie Brinkerhoff-Jacobs, president of Lifescapes International. “Our strategy was to deliver an environment that visitors can get ‘lost in’ and enjoy with friends and family time and time again.

Lush gardens

To achieve this, Lifescapes created a variety of lush gardens that will flourish year-round on each level of the center, including the underground parking structure. In addition, elements such as the aforementioned bubble wall and multi-purpose screens will create a constant stream of visual stimulation.

“This approach strategically differentiates Robinsons Galleria from its competitors, resulting in an all-encompassing, entertainment-driven destination where guests can shop, dine, and socialize, all in one enclosed environment,” says Brinkerhoff-Jacobs.

“The challenge with this project was overcoming the high temperatures and humidity in the local market,” she continues. “The project owners were visionary in their desire to transport guests to a paradise destination that is also fully enclosed and air conditioned.”

Al Amador, senior principal and project designer at Lifescapes, notes that reducing long-term maintenance and costs was another objective of the forward-thinking design.

“We recognized the opportunity to save costs by incorporating a mixture of both artificial and real plants,” explains Amador. “Anything that can be touched by a consumer is real; however, all out of reach plants are made of artificial materials. This strategy will reduce watering and maintenance costs without compromising the overall aesthetic of the retail environment.”

Shopping and dining

Robinsons Galleria Cebu includes a vast array of shopping and dining selections, as well as an entertainment complex with six cinemas. The property is the centerpiece of the Galleria Complex, a mixed-use development that includes three residential condominium buildings, business centers, and a hotel.

Robinsons Galleria is located along General Maxilom Avenue at the corner of Sergio Osmena Blvd. in Cebu City, Philippines. The project was developed by Robinsons Land Corporation, a Philippines-based real estate firm that specializes in the development and operation of shopping malls and mixed-use projects. Asya Design served as the architect for the project.

The flower guitar installed for Robinsons Galleria Cebu’s grand opening is still up due to its popularity. CONTRIBUTED

Lifescapes International is an internationally recognized landscape architectural firm that has become an influential force in the industry through its design of innovative, creative, and trendsetting landscape environments. For nearly 60 years, the company has remained true to its mantra: “We Create Gardens People Love.” ^SM

Lifescapes International has spearheaded many iconic landscapes that have been recognized as trendsetters in the industry, including mixed use, resorts and hotels, casinos, residential communities and retail/lifestyle centers. Notable projects include Fillmore Center in San Francisco, The Marke apartment community in Santa Ana (another Lyon Living destination community, Trumark Urban’s TEN50 downtown Los Angeles project, Wynn Las Vegas; Red Rock Resort Spa & Casino; The Americana at Brand in Glendale, Fontainebleau Miami Beach; the West Zhujiajian mixed use residential/resort project in China, the Four Seasons Macau; among many others.

Additional information is available at www.lifescapesintl.com.