Landscape Architect & Specifier News

OCT 2014

LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.

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October 2014 43 campus. The design narrative is a celebration of all the college has to offer, including a commitment to sustainability, agriculture and animal sciences, technology and design. The notions of patterns in landscape and agriculture, texture and textile, celebration of seasons, art and design all play a part in the composition of the plaza. The educational mission is also expressed through seating and study spaces, as well as environmental research and landscape and crop display areas. The plaza is intended to become a very active participant in the pedagogy of the university and provide an active and interesting space year round. The initial concept began with an office- wide design charrette and developed into a design that reflects the college's mission and the agricultural landscape of Kentucky. Upon selection to provide the final design for the plaza, Element worked closely with the university and its physical plant division, along with representatives from a variety of CAFE departments to ensure the plaza became a high quality and fully inclusive space for all. Features The overall plan is inspired by the simple geometry of the agricultural landscape and allows for seasonal plants and an evolving landscape to continuously emerge. The design features small conversation and study spaces where students can sit or stretch out on large stone slabs, large open gathering areas that can host special events and an outdoor dining deck surrounded by drifts of plant material. A new 52' steel arch, reminiscent of the bold colors and materials Top Designated plant beds display agricultural crops, like cotton (left) to showcase the college's research initiatives, which include plantings of experimental American chestnut seedlings. New horticultural cultivars will be organized in rotational interpretive garden plots, creating a dynamic and educational landscape. Above The new raised beds have cast- in-place concrete curbing. The hardscape along the beds are 'EcoFlo' permeable pavers, said to have "an Old World cobble stone appearance" that meets pedestrian slip resistance standards. Walking on the plaza used to be more perilous, as water pooled and ice would form in the winter.

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