The Brian & Nancy Malk Sunset Overlook at University of California San Diego transforms a long loved bluffside gathering spot into a public destination celebrating the coastal landscape of La Jolla Shores. Perched above the Pacific Ocean, the project creates a place for students, visitors, and the community to gather and experience the sunset and surrounding natural beauty.
Designed by Sotelo Landscape Architects, the overlook establishes a welcoming arrival experience with decomposed granite pathways, and ocean view seating. A donor recognition boulder marks the entrance while an interpretive exhibit honors the Kumeyaay Nation and the cultural significance of the land.
The sculptural deck uses faceted planes of Ipe wood that transition from walking surface to integrated lounge seating, encouraging visitors to pause and connect with the landscape. Board formed concrete walls provide permanence, while transparent Jakob wire mesh railings preserve views toward the Pacific, Scripps Pier, and the San Diego coastline.
California native planting enhances the sensory experience through seasonal texture and coastal fragrance while supporting ecological resilience along the bluff environment.
Rather than imposing on the site, the project formalizes a beloved gathering place, creating a civic space centered on reflection, community, and connection to the Southern California coast.
Orchids & Onions
UC San Diego Brian and Nancy Malk Sunset Overlook
Orchid
Landscape Architecture
Address
La Jolla Shores Drive, San Diego, CA 92029
Owner / Developer
UC San Diego
Architect
Sotelo Landscape Architects
Contractor
First Mark Construction
Civil Engineer
Najars Engineering
Landscape Architect
Sotelo Landscape Architects
Structural Engineer
Najars Engineering
Mechanical & Plumbing Engineer
n/a
Electrical Engineer
n/a
Interiors
n/a
Lighting
n/a
Photo credit: Noemi Davila
An elegant and graceful addition to the bluffs … well done!!!
Es algo muy bonito e importante para la comunidad hecho por el talento dirigido de una gran mujer.
Wonderful place setting
A welcomed addition to the Bluffs, providing stunning views and a respite for contemplation.
Beautiful
Such a beautiful and welcoming space to take in the gorgeous view
A special place for everybody to enjoy the magnificent view.
A dream a vision and then reality, we are overjoyed with the result
It looks like it belongs, sleek and beautifully melding into the hillside. Not only an improvement to the neighborhood, but looks like it always belonged. Thank you Brian, Nancy and team for making a new way to enjoy God’s beautiful creation.
Muy bonita propuesta
One of the most truly beautiful spots in La Jolla
So happy and proud to see the Malk Sunset Overlook receive this recognition. Your vision and generosity have created something really special for everyone to enjoy. Thanks Brian and Nancy!
Such a beautiful place for contemplation and a great place to rest while biking 🙂
The way the landscape opens up to the ocean views and sunset makes it feel peaceful and inviting. The natural materials and planting blend perfectly with the surroundings, creating a place that feels both thoughtfully designed and effortless.
This project transformed a piece of land into a place where people can enjoy the beautiful views of La Jolla, spend time with friends, meditate, or simply rest while out on a walk!! An amazing project!
Transformar la visual del lugar y dar a las personas un lugar excepcional meditación y relajación .
Excelente propuesta, se integra perféctamente con el sitio y te invita a la contemplación y el descanso, un lugar perfecto para la convivencia además del homenaje que le rinde a la Nación Kumeyaay. Muchas felicidades.
Stunning view point, the materials and landscape design is very well thought out . It is a great benefit to the community and I personally have witnessed the joy it brings to people enjoying this spectacular view point .
This nice viewpoint located near the graduate housing joins the existing panoramic view from the Birch Aquarium an the Scripps Institution of Oceanography of UC San Diego.
This nice viewpoint located near the graduate housing joins the existing panoramic view from the Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography of UC San Diego.
Wonderful addition to our coastline. The Malks have similarly done great things at Ellen Browning Scripps Park. We are blessed to have residents with such vision and resources.
Such a beautiful space! I love the modern design and how naturally it fits into the coastal setting. It looks peaceful and inviting – the perfect place to pause, reflect and enjoy a sunset.
Beautiful addition to the bluffs!
You can’t get any more San Diego than that.
Awesome