LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/320919
June 2014 33 'bus only' pull-off. The new transit shelter also opened up Risman Plaza to the Student Green for direct pedestrian connections, facilitating the Green's transformation into an active, student- focused space. Key site challenges included: a 6-ft. grading variance across a complex site that houses utilities and tunnels; a design compatible with the divergent massing and architectural styles of adjacent buildings; ability to efficiently move upwards of 30,000 pedestrians daily through the space, while also encouraging them to stop and use it; and fast- track construction (March-October) and phasing schedules. Integrated Planning + Design From the beginning of the campus landscape and environmental enhancement plan, and over the course of the five-year project, the same design team worked closely with the office of the university architect, the vice president of finance and university president. This core group assessed early concepts; insured open engagement with students, faculty and facilities programming and maintenance staff; provided guidance on project budget; selected designs and materials; and worked with the campus community to promote the importance of creating a new "front door" for the university, while improving the safety and functionality of the spaces. Implementation The landscape architects worked with the campus arborist on plant selections and plant bed design, balancing maintenance, cost and visual impact, without compromising the landscape's health and growth. Open houses were held to obtain design feedback, with students, faculty and staff Above Risman Plaza offers student and faculty 'Carousel' 5-seat, 42-inch steelhead perforated tables with backless perforated seats, and 'Solstice - Cygnus' table umbrellas, along with 'Chase Park' 36-gallon waste and recycling receptacles with side openings and polyethylene liners. At left (top) are 'Skyline' honeylocusts (gleditsia tricanthos inermis); the shrubs at right are 'Schmidt' boxwood (Buxus sempervirens). 30-35.indd 33 5/23/14 10:46 AM