A Window into a Mural

Recently completed in March of 2021, Las Ventanas is a 102-unit affordable housing, mixed-use podium building by AMCAL Multi-Housing, located in the heart of Downtown Long Beach. Designed by WHA’s Ron Nestor, Las Ventanas is a bright red building with a welcoming entryway landmarked by its 3 story glass tower at the corner of Long Beach Blvd. and PCH. Nearing the end of its completion, WHA’s Urban Studio was tasked with designing Las Ventanas’ tile art wall. Located above the front entry, the 1,000 square foot mural frames the glass tower and sits above the ground-level retail. Since the mural’s installation, Las Ventanas has become the focal point of the intersection.

Originally designed to use ceramic tiles at the mural, AMCAL asked for alternate material options that might lighten the cost. Judith Martinez from WHA’s Color Studio recommended a versatile vinyl tile developed by Mymosaic. Mymosaic’s definition of their product is “a tile covering in a patented self-extinguishing nano polymer that produces any digital image in a totally customized mosaic, and with tesserae in many shapes and sizes”. In simpler terms, it is a vinyl tile that is much lighter and more cost-effective than ceramic tiles. Mymosaic’s true strength is the ability to take any image a customer has, and laser prints it onto their patented tiles. The tiles are fit for indoor, outdoor, kitchen, and pool applications, making this product very versatile, cost-effective, and personally customizable.

As for the mural itself, our team started with the idea of a pixelated wave, like something out of a 90’s video game. Once the wave image was created, the Mymosaic team in Italy laser printed the tiles. Contrasted by the bright red color of Las Ventanas, the mural emulates waves crashing along a shore; almost as if they were backed by a crisp, red sunset.

WHA’s Urban Studio is excited to have been a part of this project. Based in Long Beach, we pride ourselves in working on local projects that directly impact our own community and we are honored to add our own touch of art to the heart of Downtown Long Beach.