Orchid 
Rising approximately 250 feet, The Torrey’s vibrant murals by Australian artist duo DABSMYLA transform the building into one of Downtown San Diego’s largest and most visible works of public art. The murals are more than large-scale decoration, they tell a visual story inspired by San Diego’s natural environment, the iconic Torrey pine, and the connection between the city and its surrounding landscape. Designed as an interconnected series of four murals, one on each side of the tower, the artwork creates a cohesive visual narrative that unfolds as people move around the building. The murals incorporate botanical imagery, organic forms, and references to the region’s coastal ecology, while DABSMYLA’s signature use of bold colors, playful shapes, whimsical characters, and pop-art-inspired details gives the tower a distinctive and memorable identity. The artwork can be experienced at multiple scales: from a distance, the vibrant compositions make The Torrey a recognizable landmark, while closer views reveal layers of intricate details and recurring visual elements. Together, the murals create what could be described as a 360-degree visual ecosystem, connecting the architecture of this modern high-rise to the natural beauty and ecological character that make San Diego unique.
The mural installation at The Torrey is important for placemaking because it transforms a high-rise residential building from simply a piece of architecture into a recognizable cultural landmark and visual identity for Downtown San Diego. The artwork creates a strong sense of arrival and place, giving residents, visitors, and pedestrians a memorable connection to the neighborhood. This mural adds a human-scale artistic experience to a large urban structure. Instead of a blank tower façade, The Torrey becomes an active part of the streetscape, creating moments of discovery, encouraging pedestrian engagement, and contributing to the emotional experience of the city.