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
42 Landscape Architect and Specifier News (Continued on page 44) Michels Plaza (Continued from page 40) The final design accepted by the college included two bubbling pools at either side of the top row of amphitheater-style seating, with a recirculating fountain feature at the plaza center. There are numerous challenges when designing with water features. You have noisy pumps, water loss, recirculation systems, custom nozzles to control the flow of the water, freezing temperatures…the list goes on. Most of these hurdles were technical and relatively easy to resolve. One of the most difficult details by far to get right was the flow of the geyser jets at the center of the plaza. It took multiple attempts and various nozzles to dial in the exact effect we sought, but the result was worth it. Hidden in plain sight is a recapture basin that sits below the brick plaza surface. The size of the recapture area was precisely calculated to minimize water loss. All the pavers in this area slope gently down to the fountain base. We were surprised at the amount of water the pavers absorb before the recirculation system can begin to function. Design and construction of the plaza were met with firm time constraints to accommodate then-president John Klein's schedule for improvements. We also needed to complete the project to coincide with the opening of the new Student Center. In a perfect world, we would have prepared all of our drawings and details in AutoCAD, in addition to the 3D renderings. In actuality, this was one of those fast-paced projects where the features are practically built before the ink dries on the construction drawings. These are the projects we design professionals live for, and there is no better Top, Right The pavers in the plaza slope gently toward the fountain base. The water drains to a fiberglass collector tank below the brick plaza surface. The brick within the water-collecting oval immediately surrounding the fountain is mortared- in-place on a concrete slab. All pavers outside of the immediate fountain area are dry-laid on a sand base. The blended brick for the plaza and surrounding areas is 40 percent 'Redland Shenandoah', 30 percent 'Old Virginia Monticello' and 30 percent 'Redland King William' (Redland Brick and Old Virginia Brick). Bottom, Right The location for the new plaza and water features was a mundane asphalt parking lot behind Main Hall, a busy pedestrian area. Below The tiered planters at the end of the seat wall accommodate yellow 'Knock Out' roses. 40-45.indd 42 5/22/14 8:32 AM