Landscape Architect & Specifier News

MAR 2018

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/952062

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 85 of 165

ramp. The blocks lead to a curved boardwalk – a great place for fishing and ship watching – extending out along the water's edge. Designed to withstand a storm surge, the robust structure is hidden in an elegantly detailed finish of composite decking. Along the edge of the boardwalk, 14 timeline panels describe the history of the Houston Ship Channel. Palm trees define the boardwalk and concentric circles of large granite blocks radiate inward, leading back to the park entry through a large open picnic pavilion. A custom floor inlay of etched granite outlines the configuration of the ship channel and various landmarks stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the city of Houston and Port of Houston. Storm Water Management and Planting Materiality, storm water management and plantings were crucial elements in designing the park. The material theme of Juan Seguin coincides with surrounding parks and existing monuments, providing a cohesive look for the area. Materials were chosen for durability and sustained park usage, and to weather the sometimes-harsh Gulf Coast climate. Water runoff is controlled and collected by filtering through the native grasses and riprap before entering the ship channel. Because of its remote location, a composting toilet was installed. Prone to hurricanes and flooding, the site is designed to withstand major weather events. The site remained undamaged after the record-breaking flooding of Hurricane Harvey. Native trees, grasses and prairie plants were introduced, as water for irrigation was not accessible for the park. The reestablishment of the native prairie is a critical element of the park and surrounding Right: The design of the playground's poured-in- place rubberized safety is of a large mariner's compass, a nod to the maritime history of the Houston Ship Channel and the Lynchburg Ferry adjacent to the park. An 'EVOS' and a 4-seat see saw are among the play pieces. The surfacing and play structures are from Landscape Structures. Left: The granite hardscape under the 'Savannah' picnic pavilion (Classic Recreation System) is a detailed 900 sq. ft. map illustrating the roads, waterways, landmarks and historic sites in the region. Visitors can walk on the map and follow the ship channel all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. A simple "You Are Here" orients visitors to the geography. 86 Landscape Architect and Specifier News Continued on page 88

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Landscape Architect & Specifier News - MAR 2018