Related Bristol

SANTA ANA, CALIFORNIA

A new destination in Santa Ana for community, culture and connection.

The landscape design for Related Bristol helps frame the project as a more walkable, connected, and people-centered district. Set across from South Coast Plaza, the development brings together housing, retail, dining, and open space, with the landscape serving as the primary public interface through planting, shaded pedestrian routes, protected bike facilities, and shared outdoor rooms.

A diagram of an urban park featuring various zones including stages, food trucks, markets, art installations, commercial kiosks, pop-up shops, shops, interactive games, irrigation, infiltration, and greenery areas, connected by walking paths with tre
Illustration of various outdoor park zones including yoga, plaza, playground, outdoor fitness, pool, deck, meditation spaces, habitat, dog park, sports courts, and more, connected by paths and surrounded by trees.
Architectural plan of a residential complex with townhouses, trees, and a pedestrian area, including details about private and public spaces, parking, and pathways.
A site plan showing a mixed-use development with labeled sections for residential, retail, and parking areas, including plan dimensions and pedestrian pathways, with illustrations of trees and people walking.
A proposed master plan for an urban development project shows several landscaped areas, pathways, and multiple buildings outlined in black, with green trees surrounding the site and streets on all sides.
A proposed master plan for an urban development project shows several landscaped areas, pathways, and multiple buildings outlined in black, with green trees surrounding the site and streets on all sides.

Our goal was to create an open space network that supports both movement and everyday use. Public green spaces, streetscape improvements, and site amenities are designed to make the district feel welcoming, active, and grounded in a healthier urban experience.

Map of Bristol Commons district showing five zones: Bristol Loop, Bristol Green, Bristol Spine, Town Center, and Residential Amenities, with pathways and features outlined.
Map of Bristol Commons district showing five zones: Bristol Loop, Bristol Green, Bristol Spine, Town Center, and Residential Amenities, with pathways and features outlined.

These public green spaces and safe corridors creates a series of distinct pedestrian “loops,” designed for everyday usage, and special occasions.

Peter Emerson led the project team through visioning and design, development of design for entitlements, and refinement based on community input while employed as Studio Director at RIOS.

People walking on a sidewalk in Pittsburgh's Carnegie Mellon University's urban campus setting with modern buildings and trees, enhanced with streetscape improvements such as planters, plantings, adjacent seating, and ample access to and from campus.
Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper Quad