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/85881
hardscapes (Continued from page 16) Above, Right The Ryan Palmer Foundation Healing Garden at Northwest Texas Healthcare Systems in Amarillo, Texas includes play zones, a water feature, paver pathway and seating walls. The attractive 1,800-square foot space was installed next to the hospital's cafeteria by Krause Landscape Contractors of Amarillo. Above, Left Low-maintenance interlocking pavers are an attractive alternative to asphalt and poured- in-place concrete. The alternating colors and custom layout of these permeable Eco-Priora™ pavers provide game patterns and a functional drainage solution. Left Pavers laid into giant chess or checkerboard patters provide unique opportunities for active play. New Orleans architectural firm HMS Architects included a similar play area in the courtyard of the Andrew H. Wilson Charter School's new building during renovations following Hurricane Katrina. 20 Landscape Architect and Specifier News Checkmate! New Orleans architectural firm HMS Architects was picked to design the new school building for Andrew H. Wilson Charter School, following the destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina. Part of the new design included a new courtyard or playground for the children. Checker and chess matches on large-scale "boards" created with alternating paver colors and patterns are an exciting option for play area designers. Children can combine mind gymnastics and physical exercise with some timeless childhood games, like hopscotch or foursquare, on permanent paver delineations. No need for chalk. HMS Architects principal Charles Montgomery, AIA, ASLA, said, "we evaluated how we could define the space for various activities for elementary students, such as checkers and various games, then decided that the interlocking pavers were a better choice for designing patterns into the courtyard. The design team felt it needed to activate the space by giving it some patterns so it did not seem so monumental. It is attractive to look at when empty, but when the kids are playing on it the courtyard comes alive." Functional Walls For Recreational Environments Retaining walls can also serve a key purpose in a playground setting. Small walls can contain the soft sand and rubber mulch safety surfacing beneath equipment. Taller walls can convert severely sloped and erosion prone lots into level zones primed for any play apparatus. Segmental retaining and freestanding wall units offer low maintenance seating solutions for parks and playgrounds.