ICON #47

Costa Mesa's Plaza Tower

The Building That Dances with Light:
The Magic of Plaza Tower

A shimmering silhouette of metal and marble graces the Orange County skyline, the Plaza Tower, a 21-story structure that has become a defining landmark in Costa Mesa. Brought to life by the renowned architect César Pelli, the tower was envisioned as more than just another office building. It was designed to capture the glamorous spirit of Southern California, with its defining feature being a breathtakingly curved western façade. This surface, designed to interact with the light, transforms the building into a daily spectacle, reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun and mirroring the moods of the sky above.

ICON.
EVOLVED.

The Plaza Tower's iconic status is rooted first and foremost in its captivating design and visual presence. The building's defining feature, the dramatically curved façade, seems to interact with the sky, mirroring its moods, from the bright clarity of noon to the fiery drama of sunset. Adding to this allure is the unique Deco Linen finish, reminiscent of fine fabric, softening the gleam of the stainless steel. It's a building that doesn't just stand there; it performs, engaging in a constant dialogue with light and shadow. This visual poetry was made possible by the innovative use of stainless steel. The Plaza Tower became a testament to how material innovation could be harnessed to achieve a truly captivating architectural vision.

IS IT
FOREVER?

Today, the Plaza Tower stands as a shining testament to enduring design. It’s the building’s stainless steel skin, chosen for its durability and high recyclability rate, speaks to a forward-thinking approach. The tower is a beacon, not just of architectural brilliance, but of responsible design that considers the long-term impact on our planet.

IS IT
FOREVER?

Today, the Plaza Tower stands as a shining testament to enduring design. It’s the building’s stainless steel skin, chosen for its durability and high recyclability rate, speaks to a forward-thinking approach. The tower is a beacon, not just of architectural brilliance, but of responsible design that considers the long-term impact on our planet.

Fact sheet

Icon

Costa Mesa's Plaza Tower

Location

Costa Mesa, California USA

Year of construction

1992

Architect

César Pelli

Material

Outokumpu Supra 316L/4404 stainless steel

SUPRA DECO

Challenge

The Plaza Tower's design called for a durable and technologically advanced facade, creating a demanding large-scale project for stainless steel production.

Solution

Outokumpu supplied 200 tonnes of textured Supra 316L/4404 stainless steel sheets, providing the desired aesthetic.

MORE ICONS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN:

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER

Stay up-to-date on industry insights, product news,
events and technical articles.

Sign up