Calling City Center at Bishop Ranch just a mall will seem like an insult after watching the above video. World-renowned architect Renzo Piano and San Francisco-based BCV Architects were brought on by Sunset Development to design the new shopping center, which takes advantage of California’s natural environment. Expected to break ground in San Ramon in the late summer, City Center focuses on the identity of the area and the people who live there.
Piano, hailing from Italy, finds the Bay Area weather to be very similar to that of his native country. This has inspired the one-acre piazza at the heart of the plan. Filled with trees and public areas for socializing (as well as an integrated stage), the space is meant to be full of rich culture and entertainment, going beyond the simple concept of a shopping center.
City Center at Bishop Ranch will be home to some 60 stores and restaurants across 350,000 square feet.
