Project Resolution

this project located in west Houston, is an upscale office building situated

along a tree lined boulevard. The client was interested in creating an outdoor

amenity area that offered a variety of experiences for daily users and promoting

a strong identity for the development. These include a cafe terrace with fountain,

activity lawn, meditation path, contemplation terrace, and a fire pit.

 

Role of the Landscape Architect

The landscape architect worked with the client on all phases of the project to

develop a garden that would function as a refuge for their tenants. Early involvement

in the project allowed the landscape architect to work with the design team to

reserve a significant portion of the site for a large courtyard. The building and

adjacent parking garage were sited to enclose the space on three sides to form a courtyard

measuring 130' x 200'.

The landscape architect established a variety of garden experiences for the user that

allowed for a range of events. Small and large gathering areas, a large multi-functional

flex space, contemplation, and walking were all very important to the design.

the planting and hardscape materials were carefully chosen to work together

to establish a warm and natural garden. They have proven very successful in contrasting

to the institutional character of the building. Due to the hot climate of Houston,

10" caliper live Oaks were planted to establish immediate shade which was critical

to the success of the space. A grid of evergreen elms were also planted at the dining

terrace that provided additional shade. These trees were critical to ameliorate the

scale of the adjacent five and three storey structures. Water and fire were also

incorporated into the design to activate the space and amuse its users.

 

Spatial Factors

Several design challenges had to be addressed by the landscape architect in order for the

project to be successful. Two sides of the 120' x 200' space are defined by buildings that

are three and five floors high. On the other side is a three level parking garage.

on the fourth side is the service drive. Again, trees were critical to provide scale

to the courtyard and to provide a buffer from the massive structure and the drive.

the view from above was also a critical element of the design. Twenty five percent of

the view from the five storey building were of the roof of the three storey building.

consequently, the landscape architect proposed a colorful gravel pattern complementary

to the courtyard below for the roof ballast of the three storey building.

 

Project significance

The landscape architect worked closely with the client group to develop a concept for

a garden space that would provide a place of refuge from the office work environment

and provide a strong identity for the development. As a result of this teamwork,

the client ended up with a functional and esthetically pleasing space in which the building

tenants can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities without leaving the site.