Landscape Architect & Specifier News

AUG 2016

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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72 Landscape Architect and Specifier News Color, big bold color was used to create a dramatic and playful new landmark in downtown Spokane, Washington. A long row of planters, many over four feet tall, painted in bright eye popping colors can't be missed when driving W. Spokane Falls Blvd., the busiest downtown street in the city. Spokane's INB Performing Arts Center needed a fresh new arrival experience appropriate for the city's bustling Arts and Entertainment District. When the client saw the concepts presented by Land Expressions, a landscape architecture firm based in Mead, Wash., they immediately approved, knowing that the strong statement is exactly what was needed in that spot. The INB Center and the new Davenport Grand Hotel across the street are both stark black and white and cast deep shadows. The large colorful planters bring a feeling of sun and cheer, especially in the long winter months. The requirements for the design were few but inflexible. The only available land for the new feature was limited to the 201' long median between the street and the drop off area. It is 10 feet wide, including a 4-foot sidewalk. Because hundreds of people gather for events in front of the INB Center on busy W. Spokane Falls Blvd., this area is required to have a safety barrier. The heavily constrained space challenged the landscape architecture team. Land Expressions' concept of using huge custom-made metal planters was an ideal solution. The 4'6" tall planters, along Top Spokane Washington's INB Performing Arts Center on busy downtown W. Spokane Falls Blvd., needed a new arrival experience for the hundreds of attendees who gather in front of the center. The only space for the arrival feature was a 10-ft. by 201-ft. median between the street and the drop off area, which would require a safety barrier. Land Expressions conceived of 4'6" tall, 750-lbs. custom metal planters with 40" freestanding metal pickets as the safety barrier. PHOTO: JAMES RICHMAN, SPOKANE Bottom The plantings in the bright colored planters (Skyline blue, Olde Yeller, Jammin orange and China blue) include Japanese tree lilacs (Syringa reticulata); Galiean Kousa dogwood; Fire Witch dianthus; evergreen Candytuft; Blue Oat grass; Admiration barberry with the Blue Oat make a great combination, with Karl Foerster grass and Franklin's Gem boxwood added for height. RENDERING: LAND EXPRESSIONS A Vivid Landscape Element in the Heart of the Spokane Arts and Entertainment District Landscape Architecture by Land Expressions (Continued on page 82)

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