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/457513
94 Landscape Architect and Specifier News When challenges occur, the wise often realize opportunities found in their midst. Such was the case for 801 Grand, Iowa's tallest building located in downtown Des Moines. After waterproofing issues were detected, remediation was required for 801 Grand. Initially, the property owner was solely focused on correcting the problem. But when landscape architecture firm Confluence of Des Moines presented the potential to redesign the site, the owner realized the great opportunity to give the site a fresh, new feel. Confluence developed multiple concepts, and after seeing how the space could be transformed, the owner agreed it was time to give the site a face-lift. A 31,000 square-foot plaza surrounds the 44-story 801 Grand, providing a gathering space for building occupants and pedestrians. More than 20 years after its original construction, the plaza required remediation. The original waterproofing had begun to fail, allowing water to leak into the garage and finished spaces below the plaza. To address the waterproofing issues, most of the existing site materials at the plaza needed to be removed. Confluence was retained to lead the renovation of the plaza and streetscape. A complete overhaul of the plaza area created a more inviting space – as well as more of the "grand" exterior one would expect at such a property. The plaza redesign softened the site and created definition between the building and plaza. design plan Confluence's site redesign began in August 2012 and incorporated additional green space, granite paving, granite planters and other site elements to soften the space and create the desired definition between the building and plaza. Features of the new site design include an upper and lower plaza for outdoor gathering on the building's east side. The site redesign also a bove Black and Kenoran sage granite pavers highlight the main pedestrian walkway at the east High Street entrance. Custom decorative railings, Selux MTR square column lights and Baltic brown granite columns with decorative planter bowls along the custom designed fence give this secondary entrance an updated appearance. pH oTo CRediT: eLizABeTH CARRie