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/274582
March 2014 89 and the reduction by the city on the reliance on long-term use of fossil fuels to pave the parking lot resulted in parking bays constructed of concrete, sloped to strategically placed rain gardens within the parking lot. The concrete parking bays have a higher solar reflective index than asphalt; this, coupled with the additional shaded pavement helps reduce the heat island effect. The pedestrian focus of the parking lot design is reflected in the tree- lined pedestrian boulevard that guides and ushers park users through the lot and into the park. Raised speed tables, integrated into the pedestrian boulevard, alerts drivers to the pedestrians. The city and the design team took great care to create spaces for celebrations and gatherings, while respecting the surrounding environment. The park design provides opportunities for people to learn about and respect the Sonoran Desert ecology. Much time was invested in the important goal of creating low maintenance, highly durable, sustainable features and finishes. The approach was to establish quality expectations, maintain a high level of conformance and give close attention to techniques and details. Extensive mock- ups were created for team consensus on quality expectations. Examples included various concrete hardscape treatments, including textures, aggregates, colors, shotcrete applications, caulks, paints and sealers. To implement the desired paint Top This serpentine, boulder-strewn waterway or "irrigation rivulet" is the backbone of the park design, a modern representation of how our early ancestors channeled water to sustain settlements and crops. The design team, inspired by the nearby Agua Fria River, delivers water via a concrete trapezoidal channel. Gates adjust the flow, and pipes release it. The channel is for play, and to sustain plant life. Above The site was contoured and sculpted to create rolling hills and valleys, a user experience distinct from the typical flat parklands. Large open turf basins offer families areas to gather, run, play and picnic. The basins also effectively capture and filter the occasional stormwater. When the turf gets parched, the parks department uses available Salt River Project water to flood irrigate. 84-93.indd 89 2/28/14 5:10 PM