A design called “The Braid” has been revealed as the new design of the Ocean Beach Pier and it contains a unique feature: a double-decker pedestrian skywalk.
Civitas, a worldwide landscape architecture and urban design firm, showed off renderings of the new pier to San Diego in a ceremony on Sunday, April 7.
The design is a refined version of the current pier – which is closed and in need of a replacement – with a fluid, curved layout. The skywalk – actually called a “second-level walking experience” by Civitas, flows from the linear pier structure and provides an elevated 360-degree view of the Pacific Ocean. At the end of the pier will be an infinity edge plaza. There is also a surfer’s lounge above the breaking waves and ADA-accessible walkways.
“We’ve been truly encouraged by the level of participation and enthusiasm from the community throughout this process,” said Kyle Hopkins, Landscape Architect at Civitas, and lead designer of the new pier concept. “Their insights and preferences have played a pivotal role in enhancing our design concepts to better reflect the spirit and character of Ocean Beach.”
Scott Jordan, principal at Civitas. added, “we believe these updated designs reflect the aspirations of the Ocean Beach community. We were extremely pleased with the turn-out and excited to share the preferred concept with the public and continue our collaborative journey towards a revitalized pier.”
The design was the overwhelming choice of residents, who were provided the opportunity to view concepts through in-person meetings and a series of online surveys The Civitas. project team developed three different design schemes that were presented in the fall of 2023. The public was then asked a number of questions, including identifying their favorite features of the three options as well choosing the design that best reflects Ocean Beach’s culture.
Civitas will continue to contribute to design refinement and will prepare for the reveal of a final concept later this year. For information on the Ocean Beach Pier Renewal project, go to the project’s website,