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/150657
The transformative design work on 14th Street has made it Denver's "beachfront property," attracting over $1.5 billion in public and private investments. With a total construction budget of $14 million and fighting the public's misperception that this was a "roadway improvement" project, studioINSITE constantly championed the virtues of expanded sidewalk widths, quality pedestrian lighting and signage, use of cost-conscious materials, effective maintenance practices, an expanded urban forest, and sustainable practices. The corridor has been honored with the highest awards from ASLA Colorado, Downtown Denver Partnership, American Public Works Association's "Project of the Year," Greenroads Foundation, and the Women in Transportation "Big Project of the Year." Above During construction, sand-set permeable pavers were installed over a custom, state-of-the-art suspended grating system with a custom tree ring collar and electrical bracket. The landscape architect worked directly with Denver's city forester to improve on traditional urban forestry practices, leading to a revolutionary in-ground planter and plant diversification specific to each block's microclimate. Top The grating system and amended topsoils were designed by the landscape architect and installed to accommodate continuous tree root zones below the permeable unit pavers, promoting healthy and thriving urban trees for future generations. Right Twelve 30-foot-tall pillars, fabricated by DaVinci Sign Systems of Denver, light up the night at the northeast corner of each of the intersections along the 12-block stretch. Denver-based ArtHouse Design developed the banner and "badge" identify for the 14th Street elements, and was responsible for the design and fabrication specs for the pillars. The structures are primarily aluminum with steel center columns, granite bases and internally illuminated acrylic faces. Phillips 'ColorBlast' LEDs offer myriad color options. The pillars also have an LED strip along one edge that can be changed out for different occasions. The pillars have large, lighted street names facing traffic, and a map on the pedestrian side highlighting area attractions. There are also vertical art elements. The 12 pillars cost $320,000. August 2013 43