Open Air Museum @ Springfield Museums

O p e n A i r M u s e u m • Springfield Museums, Springfield, MAElizabeth Cooper • Abrah Jordan Dresdale • Conway School of Landscape Design june 2010 1

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Ope

n air

museum

The Springf eld Muse

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The Conway School of Landscape Design is the only

institution of its kind in North America. Its focus is

sustainable landscape planning and design. Each

year, through its accredited, ten-month graduate

program just eighteen to nineteen students from

diverse backgrounds are immersed in a range of

applied landscape studies, ranging in scale from

residences to regions. Graduates go on to play

significant professional roles in various aspects

of landscape planning and

design. www.csld.edu

INDEX

INTRODUCTION ................................1

CONTEXT regional.....................................2 neighborhood..........................3

EXISTING CONDITIONS..................4

SITE SECTION...................................5

CITY-WIDE ANALYSES................6-7

SITE ANALYSES access & circulation.............8 impervious surfaces.............9 views...........................................10 vegetation.................................11 utilities......................................12 sun/shade.................................13 summary analysis..................14

IDEAL CONCEPT.............................15

DESIGN ALTERNATIVE 1...........16-17

DESIGN ALTERNATIVE 2.........18-19

DESIGN ALTERNATIVE 3........20-21

FINAL DESIGN.................................22 planting guide.......................23 design details..................24-26 garden details................27-28 design precedents...............29

FOR THE FUTURE..........................30


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Art installations are integrated into the landscape. • Makethematicconnectionsamongalltheexistingmuseums• Includesensorygardenswithinterpretivesigns,waterfeatures,andchildren-orientedinstallations• Offereducationalopportunitiesforbothfacilitatedandself-guidedlearning

Performances, community festivals, and other special events happen regularly• Siteathree-seasonopen-airpavilionforperformances,weddings,andotherspecialeventsthatisintegratedwithinstallationsandgardens

• Siteamulti-useoutdoorclassroom

Environmentally sustainable practices are demonstrated on site.• Reduceimpervioussurfacestoallowmorestormwatertoinfiltrateonsite• Capturewaterforuseinwaterfeaturesandforirrigation• Addvegetationtothecampuswithnativeplants,climbingvines,andgreenroofs• Provideoutdoorrecyclingstations

The Open Air Museum is an integral part of Springfield’s revitalization• CelebrateSpringfield’scultureandnaturalfeatures• Makecohesiveconnectionswithotheropenspacesandculturallandmarks• Improvecirculationandincreaseuseof property

In2008,twostudentsfromtheConwaySchoolof LandscapeDesign,LizKushnerandTheresaSprague,developedthe“SpringfieldMuseumsLandscapeMasterPlan.”Thisplanincludedtheideaof a“SixthMuseum,”anoutdoormuseumthatwouldextendeducationalopportunitiesthroughoutthegrounds.Withthatmasterplanasablueprintforfurtherdesign,theMuseumsstaff havedevelopedgoalstorealizetheconceptof anopenairmuseum.Ideally,thisnewplanwillprovideinteractiveeducationalexperiences,encouragecommunityparticipation,andsupporttheCityof Springfield’srevitalization.

The Springfeld Museums

Overall Goal: An open air museum on the Springfield Museums campus that educates visitors and strengthens the community of Springfield.

The Springfield Museums includetheGeorgeWalterVincentSmithArtMuseum,theSpringfieldScienceMuseum,theD’AmourMuseumof FineArt,theConnecticutValleyHistoricalMuseum,thenewlyopenedLymanandMerrieWoodMuseumof SpringfieldHistory,andtheDr.SuessMemorialSculptureGarden.TheMuseumshavelongbeenaculturalandeducationalresourceforthecity.Sincethe1895openingof theSmithMuseum,Springfield’sfirstartmuseum,theMuseumscomplexhasevolved,butremainedrootedinitsoriginalmission:toprovideexhibitionsandprogramsthatengagediverseaudiencesof allages.

PROJECT GOALS & PROGRAM

O p e n A i r M u s e u m • Springfield Museums, Springfield, MAElizabeth Cooper • Abrah Jordan Dresdale • Conway School of Landscape Design june 2010

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Connecticut River

City of Springfeld

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Museums Campus

Memoria

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Springfield Armory

Springfield

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The Springfeld museumsTheMuseumscampusislocatedinwesternMassachusettsontheedgeof theSpringfield’sdowntownbusinessdistrictandwithin1/2milefromtheConnecticutRiver.

TheMuseumsaresituatedonthemiddleof threeterracesthatascendfromtheConnecticutRiver.Thecentraldowntownbusinessdistrictislocatedontheterracebelow;anopengreenspacearoundtheNationalArmoryHistoricSiteontheterraceabove.AsteepgradeseparatestheMuseumsfromdowntownandtheriver,givingtheMuseumsafeelingof separationfromthedenseurbancore.

ItsproximitytodowntownmakesthecampusaneasilyaccessibleresourceforSpringfieldresidents.Interstate91passingjustsouthof thecampusallowseasyaccessforvisitorswhodrivetotheMuseumsfromadistance.

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NeighborhoodChurches - soup kitchenLibrary Merrick ParkPynchon Plaza - potential linkCourthouse - State St. Corridor ProjectPeople of SpringfieldMattoon St.

Museum & Library Parking

MerrickPark

Pynch

onpa

rkChrist Church

Cathedral

St. Michael’s Cathedral

Federal CourtBuilding

Springfield Museums campus

Museum

Parking

SpringfieldArmory historic Site

Mattoon HistoricNeighborhood

Dwight St.

Chestnut St.

State

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Spring St.

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Eliot St.

Byers St.

TheMuseumsneighborhoodisadiversemixof uses—commercial,residential,historical—whichaddtotherichnessof thearea.jJusttothenorthisthehistoricMattoonNeighborhood,thesubjectof citizen-guidedwalkingtours.kPynchonPark,closedfor20years,ispartof theredevelopmentdesignproject“FromtheQuadtotheRiver”thatseekstorestoreconnectionsbetweentheMuseumsanddowntownSpringfield.lSt.Michael’sCathedralandChristChurchCathedralflanktheMuseumsonoppositesides.ChristChurchoperatesacommunitysoupkitchen.PeoplewhocometothesoupkitchenoftenlingeratMerrickParkandontheadjacentareaof theMuseumscampus.mTheSpringfieldArmoryisasizeablegreenspaceandhistoricalsitewithina5-minutewalkfrom

theMuseums.nTheFederalCourthouse,onthecornerof StateandElliotStreetsanddesignedbyarchitectMosheSafdie,isaprizedbuildingfortheStateStreetCorridorRevitalizationProject.oThecitypubliclibraryabutsthesoutheasternendof theMuseumsQuad,facingfronttoStateStreet.MerrickParkisacityparkthatsharesacornerwiththelibraryandtheMuseumscampus,itscenterpiecethefamous“Puritan”statue,awell-regardedworkof mastersculptorAugustusSaint-Gaudens.Soup-kitchengoerscongregatehere.TheMuseumsandthecityarecurrentlydiscussingthepossibilityof collaboratingonnewvisionsforthepark.

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Merrick Park and Springfield Libraryo

Federal Courthouse - State Streetn

Springfield Armorym

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ThegrassycentralQuadandtheDr.SuessMemorialSculptureGardenaremainfocalpointsthatdrawvisitorstothe5.5-acrecampus.TheMuseumscampushasrecentlybeenclassifiedasaNationalHeritageParkandisopentothepublicduringtheday,withgatesclosingatdusk.SpringfieldresidentsareadmittedtotheMuseumsfreeof charge.Non-residentvisitorsmaypurchaseanadmissionticketattheVisitorCenterintheMuseumof Sciencebuilding.

ThemainentrywaytotheMuseumsbycarisonEdwardsStreet,whereparkingisavailableattheVisitorCenterandontheoppositesideof EdwardsStreet.AgatewayfromMerrick

main entry to the Museums is from Edwards Street, through a parking lot that extends right up to the Visitor Center.

The campus is enclosed by iron fences; gates are locked at dusk each day.

The Yertle Garden, sited between the Fine Arts Museum and the Kilroy Administration Building, boasts a Yertle the Turtle sculpture, but is not frequently visited.

Four of the five museums are centered on a grassy Quad. The central and northeastern parts of the Quad are shaded by large trees. School groups and families can often be found there enjoying a picnic.

The Smith Art Museum and the back of the public library open onto a sunny and expansive granite Plaza at the southeastern end of the Quad.

Parkatthesoutheastcornerof theQuadservesasaprimaryentranceforwalkingvisitors.PeoplesometimeslingeraftermealsattheChristChurchsoupkitchenandusethisentrancetoaccessthegrounds.Inthepast,therehavebeenconcernsaboutsoup-kitchengoersloiteringonthecampus.

ProminentyetlightlyusedspacesonthecampusincludethelargeNorthLawn,theYertleGarden,andtheopen,hardscapedPlaza,whichismostlyusedasawalk-throughtootherplaces.

stat

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the Springfeld museums campus

Museum of Science

Museum of Fine

Smith Art

PlazaCT

Valley

North Lawn

Yertle GardenLaw

Offi

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Museum of Springfield

Blake

Kilr

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TheQuad

Dr. Suess

Christ Church Cathedral

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TheQuad

Merrick Parkentrance

Museum of Science

Museum of Fine Arts

SpringfieldCity

Library

Smith ArtMuseum

PlazaCT Valley

HistoryMuseum

North Lawn

Yertle GardenLaw

Offi

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History

Blake(security)

Kilr

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Dr. Suess Sculptures


Merrick Park

Heating Plant

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Visitor Center

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TheMuseums5.5-acrecampusisrelativelyflat.Fourof thefivemuseumsframeacentralQuad.OnitssoutheasternedgeistheopenPlazaandpubliclibrary;onitsnorthwesternedgeistheConnecticutRiverHistoryMuseum.TheornateandhistoricSmithArtMuseumfacesthePlaza.TheMuseumof Science,verypopularwithchildrenandthemostfrequentlyvisitedof themuseums,sitsnexttotheSmithandoppositetheFine

ArtsMuseum.Bothof thebuildingsareorientedtowardtheshadedpartof theQuadandtheDr.SuessMemorialSculptureGarden.TheConnecticutRiverValleyHistoryMuseum,whichhousesaDr.Suessexhibit,dividestheNorthLawnfromtheQuad.EdwardsStreetrunsnorth-souththroughthecampus,separatingtheSpringfieldHistoryMuseumfromtherestof thecomplex.

Theflatgroundsprovideamplesitesforexhibits,educationalprograms,andperformances.TheshadedQuadandsculpturegardenaredestinationsandgatheringplacesinpartbecausetheyarecentrallylocatedandareframedbysurroundingbuildingsandagreencanopyabove.

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tShaded Quadrangle open Plaza librarynorth lawn CT River

Valley Historymuseum

Historymuseum

Con

necti

cut H

istory Museum & Quadrangle

Dr.

Suess Memorial Sculpture Garden

Geo

rge W

alter Vincent Smith Art Museum

Mus

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of Springfi eld History & North Law

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Observations• Thehighestdensityof impervioussurfacesdowntownareclustered

alongtheConnecticutRiver.• TheMuseumscampusiswithinthishighdensityarea.• Thecampushasahighpercentage(~75%)of impervioussurfacesin

commonwithotherpropertiesinitslocale.

implications• Theheatthatradiatesfromimpervioussurfacesincreasesairtemperature

intheurbancore.• Impervioussurfacesincreasethevolumeof stormwaterrunoff (instead

of infiltration),whichcontributestopossiblecombinedseweroverflowsintotheConnecticutRiverandfloodinganderosionalongitsbanks.

• TheMuseumscampuscentrallocationandabundanceof impervioussurfacesmakesitanaccessibleandhighlyvisibledemonstrationsiteforsustainablestormwatermanagement.

Observations• Openspace(protectedgreenand/orrecreationalspaces)isscatteredwith

smaller,disconnectedpatchesintheeastandelongatedfingersinsouth/centralSpringfield.

• FromtheMuseums: A)10smallopenspacesarewithina10-minutewalk B)TheConnecticutRiverWalkiswithina15-minutewalk C)22smallopenspacesarewithina20-minutewalk

implications• TheMuseumscouldbecomethecenterof apotentialnetworkof linked

openspaceswithintheurbancore,withself-guidedorfacilitatedtoursbeginningatthecentrallylocatedMuseums.

• FormingphysicalandthematicconnectionsbetweentheMuseumsandotheropenspacescouldfortifycommunityconnectionsandsupportSpringfield’srevitalization.

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DatafromOfficeof GeographicandEnvironmentalInformation(MassGIS)

Legend

Museums

open space (2010)

Impervious surfacesincludehardscapeandrooftops—areaswherestormwatercannotinfiltratetheground.

DatafromOfficeof GeographicandEnvironmentalInformation(MassGIS)o .5 1 2 mi

3.5-mileCT

RiverWalk

WaterBodies

ProtectedOpenSpace

10-minutewalkfromMuseums

20-minutewalkfromMuseums

CityBoundary

open space 2010


LegendWaterBodiesCityBoundaryImperviousSurfacesPerviousSurfacesMuseums

Impervious Surfaces (2005)


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Observations• SpringfieldiscentrallylocatedwithinWesternMassachusettsatthe

intersectionof Interstates91and291.• Majorroutesconvergedowntowntothewestof thesiteandradiate

throughoutSpringfield.

implications• TheSpringfieldMuseumsareeasilyaccessiblebycarforout-of-town

visitors• Inthefuture,if specialeventssuchasfestivalsandperformancesoccur

attheMuseums,theinterstatesprovidedirectroutestotheareafromoutof town.

• TheSpringfieldMuseumscanprovideapedestrian-safereprievefromsurroundingareascutthroughbyhighwaysandmajorroutes.

Observations• ManybusroutesweavethroughoutSpringfield.• TheSpringfieldBusTerminal,aregionaltransportationhub,isa

20-minutewalkfromtheMuseums.• Twocitybusstopsarewithinablockof theMuseums.• Publictransportationlinksmostpartsof thecitytotheMuseums,

contributingtothepotentialof thecampustoserveasaneasilyaccessiblecommunityasset.

implications• Publicizingnearbylocationsof thebusterminalandbusstopscould

increaseattendanceof non-drivingvisitors.• If gasolinepricesrise,peoplecouldstillaccesstheMuseumsviapublic

transportation.

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DatafromPioneerValleyTransitAuthority

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o .5 1 2 mi

Legend

HighwaysMajorRoutes&RoadsMinorRoadsWaterBodiesCityBoundaryMuseums

Legend


road network (2009)

BusRoutes

BusTerminal

ClosestBusStops

CTRiver

CityBoundary

Museums

Bus lines (2010)


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Observations• Heavilyusedareas:theQuadandDr.SuessSculpture

Garden.• Lightlyusedareas:YertleGarden,NorthLawn,andPlaza.• TheopenPlazaisusedprimarilyasawalk-througharea.• Ironfencessurroundentirecampusand7of 12entry

gatesarekeptlocked.• NovisiblesignageoraccessnearChestnutStreetbusstop,

theYertleGarden,andtheNorthLawn.• Pedestriancrosswalksanddirectionalsignsarelacking

acrossStateStreetandacrossEdwardsStreetfrompublicparkingtoMuseumsentry.

• PedestriansusevehicularentryfromStateStreetbehindtheSmithMuseum;thereisnosidewalkthere.

implications• Lackof circulationinareasotherthantheQuadraises

safetyconcernsandmayinvitedisruptivebehavior.• ReplicatingqualitiesthatmaketheQuadattractivecould

helptodistributeuseacrossthecampus.• LimitedactivityinYertleGardenandNorthLawnmay

resultfromlackof signsand/oropenaccesspoints.• Fencesandlockedgatesmayincreasesecurity,yetlimit

accessibilityandcreatedead-ends.• First-timevisitorsmaybeconfusedaboutwheretopark

andentertheMuseums.

design directions• Incorporatecharacteristicsof theQuadintodesignsfor

loweruseareas.• SiteashadedfocalpointonthePlaza.• Addpedestriancrosswalksandsignsforsafevisitoraccess.• ConsideropeninggatesalongChestnutStreetnearthebus

stoptoincreaseoverallcirculationanduse.• Resolvepedestrian-vehicleconflictinalleybehindSmith

Museum.

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0 5 10 20 40 80 ft

Museum of Science

Museum of Fine Arts

SpringfieldCity

Library

Smith ArtMuseum

theQuad

access & circulation

Museum of Science

Museum of Fine Arts

SpringfieldCity

Library

Smith ArtMuseum

Plaza

CT ValleyHistory

Museum

North Lawn

Yertle Garden

Law

Offi

ces


History

Blake(security)

Kilr

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Merrick Park

Heating Plant

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Observations• 75%of thesiteisimpervious A)Rooftops:30% B)Parkinglots:25% C)Hardscape:20%

• 25%of thesiteisatleastsemi-pervious A)Mownlawn:20% B)Perennialbeds:5%

implications• Stormwaterrunoff fromimpervioussurfacescan

contributetopossiblecombinedseweroverflows,flooding,anderosion.

• Poolingwatercancreateslick,unsafesurfaces.• Hardsurfacesabsorbandthenradiateheat—making

uncomfortableconditionsforvisitorsinwarmweather,yetfavorableincoolerseasons.

• Plantedareascanabsorbandinfiltratestormwaterandreducerunoff.Mownlawnhasamuchlowerinfiltrationratethanotherplantedareas.

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design directions• Usebestmanagementpracticesforurbanstormwater

management: A)increasevegetationonsite:plantmoretrees, greenappropriateroof tops,andreducemownlawn areabyinstallingperennialbeds B)replaceasphaltparkinglotswithporouspavement C)replacehardscapeandre-usematerials D)installvegetatedinfiltrationbasinssuchas bioswales,andraingardens E)captureroof runoff:useforirrigationandpossible waterfeature.

• Demonstrateandhighlightthesebestmanagementpracticesonsitetoeducatevisitorsandemployeesaboutsustainableurbanstormwatermanagement.

Impervious surfaces include hardscape and rooftops—areas where stormwater cannot infiltrate the ground. 0 5 10 20 40 80 ft

impervious surfaces


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Observations• Therearepleasing,openviewsthroughtheQuadand

Plaza.• Whitepinesandbuildingsobstructviewstoandfromthe

NorthLawnandYertleGarden• FromEdwardsandChestnutStreets,passers-bycansee

intobutcannotphysicallyaccesstheNorthLawnandYertleGardenduetofences,lockedgates,andlackofdirectionalsignstoopenentrances.

• ThereareminimalviewsfromStateStreetbecausesitelinesareblockedbythelibraryandtheuphillslopeandstatueonMerrickPark.

implications• OpensightlinesthroughthelinearQuaddifferfromthe

narrowviewshedoncitystreets,offeringapark-likerespiteforvisitors.

• Obstructedviewsfromthewell-usedQuadtotheNorthLawnandYertleGardencontributetotheseareasfeelingisolated;theymaybeperceivedasunsafeandthereforelessoftenvisited.

• Viewsintoareassurroundedbyfencesandlockedgatesmayindicatetopassers-bythattheseplacesareoff-limits,contributingtoinfrequentuse.

design directions• Re-createtheenclosed,yetopenfeelingof theQuadin

otherareasof thecampus.• ConsiderextendingviewstoYertleGardenandNorth

LawnfromthecentralQuad.• Openupphysicalaccesstoareasseenfromthestreet.

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views

Museum of Science

S’FieldCity

Librarythe

Quad

Museum of Science

Museum of Fine Arts

SpringfieldCity

Library

Smith ArtMuseum

CT ValleyHistory

Museum

North Lawn

Yertle Garden

Law

Offi

ces


History

Blake(security)


Merrick Park

Heating Plant

Visitor Center

Kilr

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Observations• Avarietyof nativeandnon-nativeplantsgrowin

groupsthroughoutthecampus.• Maturedeciduoustrees,includingsycamores,

locusts,andaprizedChineseelm,arecenteredintheQuad;floweringmid-storytreeslinetheQuad’ssouthernedge.

• EvergreentreesborderthewalkwaybetweentheNorthLawnandQuad.

• MowngrasscarpetstheNorthLawnandQuad;grassstripsdelineateparkinglots,walkways,andbuildingedges.

• Streettreeslinebothsidesof EdwardsStreet.

implications• Non-nativespeciesmayrequirehighermaintenance.• TalltreesontheQuadfiltersunlight,cooltheair,

andframeagatheringspace.• TreesalongtheQuad’ssouthernedgeaddtoits

beautyandfeelingof embrace.• WhitepinesalongtheYertleGardenwalkwayblock

viewstoandfromotherareasof thecampus.• Mowngrassrequireshighmaintenanceandcanbe

asimperviousashardscape.• ShadefromstreettreesalongEdwardsStreetmake

itmorepleasantforpedestrians.

design directions• Installlow-maintenance,nativeplantswhen

possible.• KeepandmaintaintreesinandalongtheQuad.• Considerreplacingwhitepineswithlow-growing

vegetation.• Reducingmownlawnandusingothergroundcover

andperennialbedswillincreasepermeability.• Increasestreettreestoemphasizetheboulevard-like

qualityof EdwardsStreet,potentiallymakingitanattractive,shadedentrycorridor.

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vegetation

Museum of Science

Museum of Fine Arts

S’FieldCity

Library

Smith ArtMuseum

theQuad

Museum of Science

Museum of Fine Arts

SpringfieldCity

Library

Smith ArtMuseum

CT ValleyHistory

Museum

North Lawn

Yertle Garden

Law

Offi

ces


History

Blake(security)

Kilr

oy(a

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Merrick Park

heating plant

Edw

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Chestnut Street

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Plaza

DeciduousTree

WhitePine

MownGrass

WoodyShrubsorGroundcover


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Observations• Undergroundelectriclinescrisscrossthemaincampus.• LightpostsareconcentratedontheQuadandaroundthe

VisitorCenter,andarescatteredelsewhere.• Irrigationlinesrunalongthenorthernandsouthernside

of theQuad.• Drainsaresituatedinparkinglotsandwalkwaysand

connecttoundergrounddrainlines.• Drainagesystemremovesstormwaterrunoff from

impervioussurfacesanddirectsitoff site.• Downspoutscollectrainwaterfromroofsof theSmith

Museum,Kilroy,Blake,andtheVisitorCenter.

implications• Eventsrequiringelectricitycanaccessundergroundlinesin

mostlocations.• If eveningeventsoccuronthecampus,additionallighting

mayberequired.• Insteadof directingroof runoff todrainsthatrunoff site,

stormwatercanbecollectedforirrigationorinfiltratedintothegroundonsite.

design directions• Installadditionallightingaroundareausedforspecial

eveningevents.• Placerainbarrels,swales,and/orraingardensat

downspoutsandunderroof linestouserainwaterforirrigationandtominimizethevolumeof waterenteringtheundergrounddrainsystem.

• Installraingardensaroundstormdrainstoallowforinfiltrationpriortoenteringthestormsewers.

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utilities

Museum of Science

Museum of Fine Arts

SpringfieldCity

Library

Smith ArtMuseum

Heating plant

PlazaCT Valley

HistoryMuseum

North Lawn

Yertle GardenLaw

Offi

cesMuseum of

Springfield History

Blake(security)

Kilr

oyThe

Quad



Merrick park

irrigationline

electricline

drainline

drain

utilitybox

downspout

lamppost

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theQuad

Museum of Science

Museum of Fine Arts

SpringfieldCity

Library

Smith ArtMuseum

CT ValleyHistory

Museum

North Lawn

Yertle Garden

Law

Offi

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History

Blake(security)



Merrick Park

Heating Plant

Visitor Center

Edw

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Stre

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Kilr

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Plaza


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Observations• ThePlazareceivesfullsunfromspringtofall.• TheNorthLawnandMuseumof SpringfieldHistorylawnare

sunnythroughouttheyear,withafternoonshadeinthespringandsummerandmoreshadeinthewinter.

• TheQuadhasvaryingdegreesof shadethroughouttheyear.• Thevisitorparkinglotreceivesfullsunfromspringtofalland

afternoonsuninthewinter.• Rooftopsreceiveclosetofullsunyear-round,withtheexception

of thesouthernedgeof theroofsalongChestnutStreetthatmayreceivesomeshadefromtallerbuildingsonthesouthsideof thestreet.

design directions• Plantdeciduoustreesand/orprovideshelteronthePlazatocool

thespaceandincreaseitsuse.• Placesun-lovingandshade-tolerantplantswhereappropriateon

theNorthLawnandMuseumof SpringfieldHistorylawn.• Sitevenuesforoutdooreventsinareasthatreceiveamixof sun

andshadeforthecomfortof visitorsduringsustainedperiodsof outdooractivity.

• Maintaintheareaunderthetreecanopyof theQuadasashadedgatheringspace.

• InstallsolarpanelsonrooftopsandinVisitorCenterparkinglot;avoidplantingtreesonsouthsideof panels;providesomeshadeforvisitorsparkingthatwillnotblockpanels.

implications• ThegranitePlazaisunfavorablyhotandlittleusedinwarm

weather,andmorecomfortableincoolerweather.• Themixof sunandshadeintheNorthLawnmakeitagoodspace

forgardensandoutdoorevents.• PeoplecongregateunderthetreecanopyintheQuad,makingitan

idealspaceforprograms,eating,andothersustainedactivities.• Sunnyconditionsonrooftopsandinthevisitorparkinglotare

conduciveforharnessingsolarenergy. sit

e a

na

ly

sis

Summer solstice @ 9am, 12 noon, & 3pm Fall equinox @ 9am, 12 noon, & 3pm winter solstice @ 9am, 12 noon, & 3pm

visitor parking lot

NorthLawn


History

Quad

Plaza

visitor parking lot

NorthLawn

Quad

Plaza

visitor parking lot

NorthLawn

Quad

Plaza

sun/shade


History


History

Note: dark gray areas are a composite of the likely shadows cast at the times shown


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DESIGN DIRECTIONS TO APPLY TO EVERY ALTERNATIVE• Limitalleyusetovehiclesonly—toreducepedestrian-vehicleconflictandtoeliminateserviceparkinglotasanentrypoint• CreatevegetatedvisualscreenbetweentheQuadandservice

parkinglottodiscouragethepublicfromusingtheservicelotandalleywaytoenterandexitthecampus

• ConsiderremovingwhitepinestoincreasecampusconnectivityandextendviewstotheYertleGardenandNorthLawnfromtheQuad

• Addsignageorarchwaystomakeentrypointscleartovisitors• Opengatesonsouthsideof YertleGardentoeliminateadeadend

andtoimproveaccessibilitytopeoplewalkingand/orarrivingviathebusthatstopsonChestnutStreet

• IncludecrosswalksonStateandEdwardsStreetstoincreasesafetyandaccessibilityforvisitorsparkinginoff-sitelots

Location Opportunities Constraints

A)VisitorParkingLot

B)NorthLawn

C)YertleGarden

D)Quad

E)Plaza

-Hotandsunny-Impervious

-Isolated-Littleuseorcirculation-Lackingfocalpoint-Fromstreet,viewswithoutaccess-70%impervioushardscape-Deadend-Fromstreet,viewswithoutaccess-Imperviouswalkwaysandbenches-Lackingformalplacetoeat

-Hotandsunny-Openandexposed-Lackingfocalpoint-Imperviousgranitepaving

+Hotandsunny+Adjacenttocampus+Noneedtocrossstreet+Openspace+Flat+Trees

+Gardens+Sculptureof YertletheTurtle+Someseating

+Shadedlawn+InteractiveDr.Suesssculptures+Frequentuseandcirculation+Centrallylocated+Seating+Openandsunny+Centrallylocated+Someseating

KEY OBSERVATIONS• Thecampusis5.5acres,with3acresof openspace.• TheQuad-PlazaandtheNorthLawnarethelargestopen• spacesonthecampus.• FromtheQuad,whitepinesobstructviewstotheYertle

GardenandNorthLawn.• Ironfencessurroundstheentirecampus;7of 12entrygates

arelockedduringhoursof operation.

• Pedestrian/vehicleconflictsoccuronStateStreetandEdwardsStreetwherevisitorsarecrossingfromoff-campusparkingtotheMuseumsentry.

• TheMuseumof SpringfieldHistory,Museumof FineArts,andScienceMuseumallhaveflatroofswithsunexposure.

• Downspoutscollectrainwaterfromroofsof theSmithMuseum,Kilroy,Blake,andtheVisitorCenter.

Summary Analysis

IronFence

Locked

Pedestrian/VehicleConflict

A) visitor parking lot

D) Quad

B) NorthLawn

C) Yertle Garden

E) Plaza

BusStop

Downspout

FlatRoof withsun

WhitePineUnlockedEntrances

Museum of Science

SpringfieldCity

Library

Smith ArtMuseum

Heating Plant

CT ValleyHistory

Law

Offi

cesMuseum

of Springfield History

Blake(security)

Kilr

oy



Merrick park

white pines

0 5 10 20 40 80 ft

Chestnut street

Edw

ards

stre

et

stat

e st

reet

Visitor Center

ViewswithoutAccess

Museum of Fine Arts


30

Springf

ield C

ity-Wide RevitalizationOpen air museum

Art in the landscape community

engagement

sustainability Demonstration

Education

ide

al

co

nc

ep

t

Ideal ConceptEachof the threedesignalternatives that followoffersadifferentplanfor creating anopen airmuseumon theSpringfieldMuseums campus,and contributing to Springfield’s city-wide revitalization. And while allthe alternatives incorporate theproject goalsof art in the landscape, sustainability demonstration, and community engagement, eachdesignemphasizesoneof thesethreegoalstoagreaterextent.Eachdesignalsoseekstoincorporatethefollowingdesignprinciples.

design Principleso Re-useon-sitematerialsand/orlocalmaterialso Plantnativevegetationo Harnesson-siteresourcesandenergy

Educationo Includeinterpretivesignswithnewplantsthatdetailtheir function(s),i.e.,insectory,nitrogen-fixer,medicinal,edible,etc.o Includecolorful,simplifieddiagramsand/orexplanationsateach exhibit,i.e.,artist’sstatementandmaterialsused,thesignificanceof nativeplants,howstormwaterismanaged,etc.o Offerguidedtoursof theOpenAirMuseum.o Educationalprogramswithfocustopicscanbepresentedinan outdoorclassroomorgatheringspace.


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A Suess-inspired whimsical artwalk pulls visitors through a dynamic viewing experience and improves circulation on the campus.

o Hedgesandnativegardensframeoutdoorgalleryspacesforartinstallations.o Meanderingwallleadsvisitorsthroughcontiguouspedestrian-safespacecreatedbyclosingaportionof EdwardsStreettovehicles.o OutdoorcafeatSmithMuseumbecomesanendpointof theartwalkforsocialeventsandmingling.

oZengardenwithyogaplatformdrawscontemplativevisitors.o Asanewwaterfeature,YertletheTurtlejoinstheotherSuesssculpturestoformaconcentratedplayareaforchildren.

DRAWBACKS:Closingpartof EdwardsStreetmaynotbefeasibleorcouldcompromiseemergencyaccess;highsurveillancemaybenecessaryforoutdoorart;constructionof newsidewalksandconcentratedplayareamaydamageQuadtrees.

art in the landscape

reducedparking

meanderingrockwallwithperiodicrecessedseating

artinstallationsites(typical)

climbingvinesonfences

Japanesegardenwithyoga/taichiplatform

rooftopsolarpanels

cafewithoutdoorpatioatSmithMuseum

rockwallwith2’hedge

openairpavilion

Dr.Suesssculpturecollection(re-located:YertleaswaterfeatureandLoraxatpathconvergence)

windingwalkways

EdwardsSt.closedtothroughtraffic

vegetatedscreen

0 5 10 20 40 80 ft

rooftopsolarpanels

P

P

North Lawn


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Alternative 1: A r t i n t h e L a n d s c a p e

Proposed Elements:oMeanderingrockwallcarriesvisitorsthroughthelandscape,andcanbelowenough(2feet)forseating.oInteractiveartinstallationsdisplaytheeffectsof sound,light,plants,andwater.oNaturalelementsframeoutdoorartinasculpture-park-likesetting,suchasatDeCordovaMuseum.

Storm King; photograph by Elizabeth Cooper


DeCordova Museum; photograph by Jaclyn Pryor

Recessed seating; photograph by Abrah Dresdale



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By incorporating sustainable practices on site, every application becomes an educational exhibit.

o PathsconvergeataraingardenwithbouldersforrockhoppingintheNorth Lawn,afocalpointof beautyandanexhibitionof stormwatermanagement.o Rainbarrelscaptureroof runoff andirrigatenativeplantsinachildren’s gardenandsupplywatertoaninteractiveYertletheTurtlewaterfeature.o Solarpanelstakeadvantageof thesunnyparkinglotandextensiverooftops togenerateenergy.o Greenwallsandgreenroof toursshowcasetheirmultiplefunctions:cooling buildings,reducingstormwaterrunoff,creatinggreenspacesinurbansettings.

oDemonstrationgreenparkinglotsandEdwards(green)Streetusesgrass paversandraingardenstoreduceoff-siterunoff andincrease groundwaterinfiltration.o Avine-coveredpergolaonthePlazaoffersshadedrelief andaplacefor peopletogather.

DRAWBACKS: Expensivetobuysolarpanelsandinstallgreenroofsandporous pavement;High-maintenancetotendtothegreenroofsand stormwatersystems.

0 5 10 20 40 80 ft

sustainability demonstration

raingardenwithboulders

greenparkinglot(porouspavement&raingardens)

Edwards(green)Street(porouspavement,curbbumpoutswithvegetatedswales,tree-boxfilters)

greenroof withsolarpanels

solarpaneltrellis

rainbarreldemonstration

greenroof

Yertlewaterfeaturefedfromroof runoff

greywatersystem

treehouse

recyclingstation

raingarden

rainbarrelsforirrigation

vine-coveredpergolaonthePlaza

berrybushesplantedoncontourwithbermandswale

greenroof withsolarpanelsrooftopperformancespace

rockyswalescarryingroof runoff

children’sgarden

P

P

North Lawn


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Green roof on Toronto’s city hall; photo courtesy of wikimedia

Alternative 2: S U S T A I N A B I L I T Y D E M O N S T R A T I O N

Proposed Elements:oGreenroofsservemultiplefunctions:filterstormwater,reducerunoff,coolbuilding,providegreenurbanspaceandbeautyoRockyswalesandraingardensworktoinfiltratestormwaterinurbansettingsoCapturedroof runoff cansupplyinteractivewaterfeatures,whichinturnengagechildrenandeducatevisitorsaboutthevaluableresourceof stormwateroSolarpanelsoverparkingareastakeadvantageof theopenaccesstosunrayswhileprovidingshadeinanotherwisehotasphaltlot.

Rocky swale, Eric Carle Museum; photograph by Abrah Dresdale

Solar grove over parking lot; Photo copyright 2005, Pablo Mason Photography,

Interactive water feature, Montshire Museum; photograph by Abrah Dresdale

Water exhibit, Montshire Museum; photograph by Abrah Dresdale


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This design engages visitors and Springfield residents alike by providing a sprawling oasis amidst the urban context.

o Fencesareremovedwiththegoalof increasingcampususe,makingthe siteapublicparkwithfestivelightingatnightforsafety.o Visitorscirculatethroughtheentirecampusonwell-definedpathways throughgardensharboringinnercourtyardsforreadingandsketching.o AcoveredamphitheaterinthePlazashadesvisitorsinthesummerand servesasavenueforperformancesandoutdoormoviesintheevenings.o AfoodforestintheNorthLawnandcommunitygardenplotsinMerrick Parkofferfreshpublicproducethreeseasonsof theyearforvisitors, schoolgroups,andpassers-by.

o Themainparkinglotisreducedtodecreaserunoff andprovideanadjacentvehicle accessibleyetpedestrian-safe“villagegreen”forfarmersmarketsandartisansfairs.o EdwardsStreetparkinglotisconvertedtoagreen-roofed,2-storyparkinggarageto accommodatethehighvolumeof visitorsduringspecialevents.o AcafeishousedintheMuseumof SpringfieldHistory,makingtheformerly disconnectedmuseumadestinationthatprovidesfoodtovisitorsandlocalresidents andenhancesthestreetculturewithsidewalkseating.

DRAWBACKS:Removingfencescouldcreatesafetyproblems;2-storyparking garagemaynotbecosteffective;lightingatnightrequiresmoreenergyandmay contributetolightpollution.

0 5 10 20 40 80 ft

community engagement

openairpavilion

“villagegreen”formarkets&festivals

reducedparking;handicappedaccessibleonly

2-storyparkinggaragewithgreenroof

raingardens

courtyardsamongstperennialbeds

amphitheateronthePlaza

riserseating

communitygardensatMerrickPark

outdoorclassroom

sculptureateachmuseumentrance

foodforestintheNorthLawn

indoorcafewithsidewalkseatingattheMuseumof SpringfieldHistory

P

North Lawn


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Alternative 3: c o m m u n i t y e n g a g e m e n t

Proposed Elements:oAnoutdoorvenueforliveperformancesandfilmscreeningswiththeSmithMuseumasabeautifulbackdrop,aconceptsimilartothevenueintheMassM.O.C.A.courtyard.oFestivelightingwouldmakethecampusattractiveanduser-friendlyatnight.oRemovingperimeterfence,suchasatBryantPark,NYC,wherethisincreasedthepark’ssafetyandopenedupthegroundsformorepeopletoaccessthesidewalkcafe,expansivelawn,andgamingtables.oRiserseatingcreatesagatheringplace,andcouldframethegrassyQuad.

Mass M.O.C.A’s outdoor venue and lighting at night; courtesy of D.I.R.T. Studio

The Highline Park, NYC, with nigh time access and lighting; Courtesy of courtesy of D.I.R.T. Studio

Bryant Park, NYC; sidewalk cafe; Courtesy of Wikimedia

Proposed seating design for the Highline Park, NYC; Courtesy of courtesy of D.I.R.T. Studio

Mass M.O.C.A’s; Courtesy of D.I.R.T. Studio


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open air museumThe final design re-imagines howthevariousareasthroughoutthecampuscanbeunified,yetdisplayqualitiesandofferattractionsthatgiveeachadistinctivesenseof place.Byincreasingcirculationanduseof thegroundsthroughpathwaysdelineatedbygardenbedsandameanderingrockwall,morepeopleareenjoyingtheNorthLawn(seenumber3sheet24),NativeAmericanGarden(formerYertleGarden,seenumber8sheet28),andthenewMuseumWay(seenumber6sheet26),stoppingalongthepathtoviewtheartinstallations.TheMuseumscampusisabeautifulgreenparkopentothepublicforspecialeventssuchasfarmersmarketsandlocalartisansfairsalongMuseumWay—acombinedpedestrianstreetandoutdoorgallery—(see

number6sheet26).PeoplecometotheOpenAirMuseumforoutdoormoviescreeningsandeducationalprogramsatthenewperformancevenueontheeastendof theQuad,andforpicnicsontheNorthLawnwhilelisteningtoaconcertintheopenairpavilion.Lastly,theMuseumshavebecomeanecotourismdestinationwherevisitorscometolearnabouturbansustainabilitypracticessuchasstormwatermanagement,alternativeenergygeneration,andgreenroof installation.AndthelocalcommunitybenefitsfromtheamenitiesandpublicofferingsthattheOpenAirMuseumprovidesforthecityof Springfield.

The Quad

Roof Tops

Native American GardenSensory Garden

0 5 10 20 40 80 ft

Museum of Science

Mus

eum

of

Fin

e A

rts

SpringfieldCity

Library

Smith ArtMuseum

CT ValleyHistory

Museum

Law

Offi

ces


History

Blake(security)

Kilr

oy(a

dmin

)


Heating Plant

Edw

ards

Stre

et

Chestnut street

Visitor Center

Sta

te S

treet

sculpture at museum entrances (typical)

outdoor cafe

pergola-covered deck

P

P

See number 1 sheet 24

Green Parking LotSee number 5 sheet 25

Museum WaySee number 6 sheet 26

North LawnSee number 3 sheet 24

See number 7 sheet 27 See number 8 sheet 28

Community GardensSee number 4 sheet 24

See number 2 sheet 24


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Forclearvisibilityandsafetyoncampus,treesover15feetaretobelimbedupaminimumof 8feetandshrubsshouldbemaintainedatamaximumheightof 3feet.

Code Common Name Scientific Name Height Width Function/Form

Trees

RB Redbud Cercis canadensis 12'-25' Flowering Tree

RM Red Maple Acer rubrum 40'-75' Shade Tree

SB Serviceberry Amelanchier arborea 20'-30' Overstory/Shade

SY Sycamore Platanus occidentalis 70'-100' Shade Tree

WO White Oak Quercus alba 60'-80' Overstory Tree

Low Shrubs - sh

Meadowsweet Spirea alba 2'-4' 2'-5' Flowering Shrub

Running Serviceberry Amelanchier stolonifera 1'-3' 3'-10' Flowering Shrub

Snowberry Symphoricarpos albus 2'-3' 3'-4 Flowering Shrub

Edible Fruit Shrubs

Ra Red Raspberry Rubus idaeus 2'-6' 3'-5' Edible Fruiting Shrub

Code Common Name Scientific Name Height Width Function/Form

Perennial Vines - vin

Grape Vitis spp Fruiting Climber

Trumpet Creeper Campsis radicans Flowering Climber

Virginia Creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia Fall Color Climber

Low-Mow Lawn - lm

Buffalograss Bouteloua dactyloides to 6" Low Maintenance Lawn

Dutch White Clover Trifolium repens 3"-6" Low Maintenance Lawn

Fescue Festuca spp. to 6" Low Maintenance Lawn

Rain Garden - rg

Blue Flag Iris Iris versicolor 1'-3 Perennial

New England Aster Aster novae-angliae 2'-4' Perennial

Purple Cone Flower Echinacea purpurea 2'-3' Perennial

Sweet Spires Itea virginica to 6' Flowering Shrub

Green Roof - gr Roofs should be evaluated by a structural engineer to determine weight load capacity before determining depth of planting substrate and plant species to be used.

2-3’

8’

Planting Guide

SYWO

RM

WO

SYSY

SY

SY

SY

RB

RM

SB

rg

lm

sh Ragr

gr

gr

gr

vin

sh

lm

RB

campus planting guide

0 5 10 20 40 80 ft

rg


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j ROOF TOPS oSolarpanels(A)linethesouthernedgesof 4of 5museumroofs,andareaccompaniedbyvegetation(B)whereroofsareflat.oGreen,vegetatedroofsimprovetheefficiencyof solarpanelsandfilterwater,reducerunoff,coolbuildings,andenhanceaesthetics.oVegetationcoversandcascadesovertheroof edgesof theVisitorCenter/ScienceMuseum(C),announcingtoarrivingvisitorsthatthereissomethingdifferenthappeningoverhead.oIf feasibleandsafe,theScienceMuseum’sgreenroof isopenfortours,and/orpeoplecanviewthegreenroof andsolarpanelsfromaroof-levellookout.

Note:astructuralengineermustevaluatetheload-bearingcapacityof eachbuildingtodeterminethefeasibilityof addedweightontheroof.

l NORTH LAWNoAfestiveopenairpavilion(A)isnestledamongfloweringbedsandsituatednearthebackentranceof thecafe(B)forcateringservices.Thepavilionoffersspecialeventssuchaspoetryreadings,eveningconcerts,andweddings,withopenlawnforexpandedseatingortents(C)shadedbyanewsycamoretothesouth(D).oWalkwaysalongameanderingstonewall(E)andperennialgardenbedsguidevisitorsthroughthespaceandleadtoframed‘courtyards’(F)thatshowcaseartinstallationsandsustainabilityexhibits.oRemovingthefenceflankingbothsidesof EdwardsStreetopensupadirectaxisfromtheNorthLawntotheMuseumof SpringfieldHistoryandthenewMuseumWay(G).

NOTES:oWhilemaintainingasecureinterior,fencingisstrategicallyreducedtoeliminatedeadspaces,createamorewelcomingperception,improveconnectionsandcirculation,andwherefeasible,openbackdoorsof museumsforstreetsideaccess.oThehardscapesfromthePlazaandunderpicnictablesareremovedandmaterialsarere-usedtobuildswalesandgardenpaths.oCrosswalksareaddedacrossStateandChestnutStreetstoprovidesafeaccesstomuseumentriesforvisitorswhowalkthereorparkoff-campus.oAsignonStateStreetindicatesthatthealleywaybehindSmithMuseumisopentoservicevehiclesandhandicapparkingforthelibraryonly.oPlentifulsignsalongtheperimeterof thecampusdirectvisitorstoentrypoints.oSculpturesareplacedatmuseumentrancestoannouncethefocusof themuseumandtomakeaconceptualconnectionbetweenmuseums.oRemovethearchwayoverhangtowidenthethresholdtotheQuad.

kl

m

j

site locator key

k THE QUADoLawnandshadetreesareextendedintothePlaza,wheregraniteisremovedandreplacedbyapervioushardscapesemi-circle(A)infrontof apergola-covereddeck(B)toaccommodateprograms,performances,andfilmscreenings.oTheYertlesculpture(C),nowawaterfeaturefedbycollectedrainwater(D)fromtheVisitorCenterdownspouts,isrelocatedandjoinedwiththeDr.SuessMemorialSculptureGarden,centralizingthecollectionintheQuad.TheSuessthemecontinuesthroughtheQuadandintoanewSuess-inspiredcafe(E)housedintheConnecticutValleyHistoricalMuseum,offeringserviceforoutdoordiningontheQuad-sidePatio(F).oAmosaic-tiledpath(G)obliquelycrossestheQuad,formingaphysicalandartisticconnectionbetweentheSmithMuseumandtheMuseumof FineArts.oTheQuadisbetterconnectedtotheNorthLawnandformerYertlegardenbyremovingwhitepinestoopenviewsandlimbupallexistingtreesforclearvisibilityandsafety.

The Quad: Suessian-themed Quad-side outdoor cafe, Yertle water feature, mosaic-tiled walkway, and pergola-covered deck.k

(C)

MFAChurch

SmithMuseum of Science

Springfield C

ity Library

(B)

(D)

(F)

(E)

(A)

(G)

Visitor Center and science Museum with green roof and solar panelsj

Museum of Science

(C)

(A)

(B)

m MERRICK PARK COMMUNITY GARDENoInacollaboratedvisionbetweentheMuseumsandMerrickPark,theparkcouldbeusedasasoupkitchencommunitygarden,withthegoalof formingpositivecommunityrelationswiththechurchandsoupkitchen-goers.oRaisedvegetablebedsareplantedoncontour(A),collectingrainwaterforlow-maintenanceirrigationasrunoff movesdownslope.oRaspberrybushes(B)areplantedinthehotmicroclimateagainstthesouthernsideof thelibraryforapick-your-ownofferingof freshberries.

The North Lawnl

Blake(security)

CT Valley History

Museum

(G)

(E) (C)

(F)

(A)

(B)

(D)

Merrick Park Soup Kitchen Community Gardensm

Library

(A)

(B)


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Figure II: Conceptual Diagram Solar Panel Parking Trellis with Porous Pavement

Figure I: Rain Garden

green parking lot

Someof theexistingimpervioussurfacesattheMuseumssuchasroofs,paving,andhardscapewillbereplacedbygreenroofs,porouspaving,raingardens,rockyswales,andvegetation.Thesechangeswillreducestormwaterrunoff fromthoseareasbyupto50%

STORMWATER MANGEMENT

n Green Parking Lot

(D)(B)

(A)

(C) Visitor Center

GREEN PARKING LOToVisitorparkinghasbeenturnedintoademonstrationgreenparkinglottoharnessalternativeenergyandmanagestormwater.oAraingarden(A)(seefigureI)surroundsastormdrain,absorbingadditionalwaternotinfiltratedthroughtheporouspavers(B)(seefigureII)thathavereaplacedtheimperviousasphalt.oAsolarpaneltrellis(C)(seefigureII)overthemiddlerowof parkingcastsshadeandgeneratesenergyfortheMuseumsfromthesun’srays.oAgreenbuffer(D)definestheentranceintotheVisitor’sCenter,showcasessculptures,andprovidesadrop-off landing.oThespacinghasbeenreconfiguredtoatriple-loadedlot,allowingasidewalkrunalongtheparkingspacesonbothedges.oTheparkinglot’snewsingleentryiswidenedtocompensateforclosingtheotherentryinanattempttomovevehicletrafficfurtherfromthepedestrian-safecampusinterior.

m


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o PEDESTRIAN STREEToEdwardsStreet,aspartof theStateStreetRedevelopmentProject,hasbeenallottedfundingforstreetscaperenovation.oFromgatedendtogatedend,EdwardsStreetcouldopentothroughtrafficduringmuseumhoursof operations,yetthegates,clearlymarkedcrosswalks,andcobblepavementsignaltodriversthatthisisaspecialcorridorandtoproceedslowly.oTen-feetwidereinforcedturf wouldreplacethesidewalkwithagrassyalternativethatcanwithstandtheheavyimpactof boothsandloadingandunloadingvehiclesforfarmersmarketsandlocalartisansfairs.oTreescouldbeaddedamongtheexistingstreettrees,enhancingaboulevard-likefeelingandprovidingshadeforwalkersandvendors.

OUTDOOR GALLERYoAnoutdoorgallerycouldfronttheMuseumof SpringfieldHistoryaspartof thenewMuseumWay,accommodatingartinstallationsframedbylow-growinggardenbedsandweavingwalkways.oNewshadetreesandsidewalkwouldincreasethecomfortandsafetyof visitorsparkingattheEdwardsStreetandmunicipallots.oThefenceonthecornerof EdwardsandChestnutStreetscouldberemoved,eliminatingadeadzoneandopeningupthebeautifulbuildingfaçadetothestreet.

museum way:pedestrian street & outdoor gallery

o

site locator key

oMuseum Way: Pedestrian Street & Outdoor Gallery

gate

gate

service vehicle access

crosswalk to North Lawn

crosswalk to visitor parking

porous cobble pavement

10’ wide reinforced turf beyond curb on both sides of street (typical)

art installation space

low-growing beds (typical)


History

Municipal Parking

Lot

Edwards Street

Parking Lot

green roof with solar panels

sculpture at entrance (typical)

B B’

Springfield History Museum

outdoor gallery market booth cobble stone pedestrian street

market booth

BNorth Lawn

curbcurbB’


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p SENSORY GARDENoThemeanderingstonewallsnakesintotheSensoryGarden(formerlypartof theNorthLawn),providingcontinuousseatingandsafecontainerforchildrenplayinginthegarden.oPerennialbedsdisplaybrightcolors,fragrantflowers,andavarietyof textures.oThetoweringcopperbeechprovidesshadeforamossandbouldergardenatitsbaseanditsbranchessupportanarrayof windchimes.oRainwaterrunoff fromtheKilroybuilding’sroof gushesfromdownspoutsintostonebasinsthatoverflowintoarockyswalethatterminatesinaretentionbasinfootpoolsurroundedbyaraingarden.The“explorationstation”—ahardscapepatiowithseatingalongside—edgesthepoolingwater,rocks,andvegetation,allowingforcloseinvestigation.oA“treehouse”offersshadeandaplayspacewithinthegarden.oVinesweavethroughthesurroundingfences,creatingtheambienceof anoutdoorroom.

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Code Common Name Scientific Name Height Width Form/Function

Bird & Butterfly Rain Garden

Bst Blazing Star Liatris spicata 1'-5' Purple perennial

Bs Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia serotina 1'-3' Yellow perennial

Ir Blue Flag Iris Iris versicolor 1'-3' Blue perennial

Bfw Butterfly Weed Asclepias tuberosa 1'-2' Orange perennial

Cnf Cinnamon Fern Osmunda cinnamomea 2'-5' Fern

IN Inkberry Ilex glabra 3' 3'-6' Flower-Fruit Shrub

Mw Milkweed Asclepias syriaca 1'-2' Pinkish perennial

Osf Ostrich Fern Matteuccia struthiopteris 2'-5' Fern

Pcf Purple Cone Flower Echinacea purpurea 2'-5' Purple perennial

RD Red-osier Dogwood Cornus sericea 3' 4'-8' Flower-Fruit Shrub

Perennials

Bb Bee Balm Monarda didyma 2'-3' Fragrant leaves

Chi Chives Allium schoenoprasum 1'-2' Edible flower, leaves

Hyf Hay-scented Fern Dennstaedtia punctilobula 1'-2' Fern

Lb Lemon balm Mentha canadensis 1'-2' Fragrant leaves

Nea New England Aster Aster nova-angliae 2'-3' Fall color

Vi Violet Viola spp. 3" Edible flower

Wb Wild Bergamot Monarda fistulosa 2'-3' Fragrant leaves

Hopping Rocks Garden

Spw Creeping Speedwell Veronica repens Steppable

Thy Creeping Thyme Thymus praecox Between step stones

Rw Green Carpet Herniara glabra 2" Steppable

Irm Irish Moss Sagina subulata on ground Steppable

Pr Path Rush Juncus tenuis Steppable

Perennial Vines - vin

Grape Vitis spp. climbing Fruiting Climber

Trumpet Creeper Campsis radicans climbing Flowering Climber

Virginia Creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia climbing Fall Color Climber

low ground

on ground

BsBst Pcf

Bfw

Mw

Ir

RDIN

OsfCnfCnf

Osf

Hyf

Hyf

Hyf

Bs

Pcf

Bst

Vi

Bb

Wb

Lb

Chi

Bb

Nea

NeaPcf

Pr

Spw

Irm

Rw

Thy

“tree house”

explorationstation

rock

hop

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den

rocky swale

rain garden

WbLb

Bb

VinVinVin

Vin

stone wall with recessed seating

perennial beds

copper beech

stone basin(typical)

KilroyLa

w O

ffice

s

A A’

p

double-sided benches

RD

Figure I: stone basin under downspout

site locator key

sensory Garden

rain pool rocky swale stone basin

Kilroyfern bed rain garden

ston

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all

Law Offices

A’A


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NATIVE AMERICAN GARDEN oAprimarypathwayforksatabreakinthestonewall,leadingvisitorstoaNativeAmericanGarden(formerYertleGarden),displayingplantstraditionallyusedbypeopleindigenoustoConnecticutValley.oInthegarden’scenterawidepathencirclesaraingarden;steppingstonecrosspathscutthroughreflectingtheshapeof aNativeAmericanMedicineWheel;signshereandalongsidepathstellof traditionalusesof theplants.oTheraingardenservesmultiplefunctions;itprovideshabitatforbirds,butterflies,andbeneficialinsectsandinfiltratesroof rainwaterrunoff channeledfromtheKilroy’sroof downspoutsviaarockyswale.oGatesintothegardenfromChestnutStreetareopenareopenedtoimproveaccessibility.oSittingrocksandstonebenchesaregroupedthroughoutthegardenforreading,relaxing,andviewingthegarden.

q

site locator key

q

Native American Garden

MV

Ss

Gr

Sa

MV Ss

Gr

Sa

St

Glr

Bns

Jp

Yr

BbMw

Bfw

Ir

EL

RE

Bns Wh

SB

Sw

Glr

Glr

Ch

Bns

Jp

Yr St

St

EL

Yr

Ch

Bb

Bb

WhJp

Ch

Glr

St

Yr

Medicine Wheel rain garden

Chestnut Street open gates

rocky swale

stone wall

Kilr

oy

Museum

of Fine Arts

sitting rocks and stone benches

traditionally used plants

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Wh

Wh

Glr

Bns

Bb

Wh

BL

BL

BLCommon Name Scientific Name Height Width Function/Form

Native American - Rain Garden

Bb Bee Balm Monarda didyma 2'-3' Medicinal

Ir Blue Flag Iris Iris versicolor 1'-3' Medicinal

Bns Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum 1'-3' Medicinal

Bfw Butterfly Weed Asclepias tuberosa 1'-2' Medicinal

EL Common Eldlerberry Sambucus canadensis 5'-6' 3'-8' Food, medicine

Glr Goldenrod Solidago spp. 1'-3' Medicine, dye

Jp Joe Pye Weed Eupatorium purpureum 3'-5' Medicinal

Bl Low bush blueberry Vaccinium angustifolium 1'-3' 1'-2' Edible berries

Mw Milkweed Asclepias syriaca 1'-2' Food, medicine

RE Red Elder Sambucus racemosa 4'-6' 3'-8' Flower-Fruit

Yr Yarrow Achillea millefolium 1'-1.5' Medicinal

Native American - Perennial Beds

Ch Chicory Cichorium intybus L. 1'-4' Medicinal roots, leaves

Gr Cranesbill Geranium Geranium maculatum 1'-2' Food, medicine

MV Maple Leaf Viburnum Viburnum acerifolium 2'-4' 2'-4' Medicinal inner bark

Sa Sarsaparilla Aralia nudicaulum 1' Medicine, 'root beer'

Ss Solomon's Seal Polyganatum biflorum 1'-2' Medicinal root

SB Spicebush Lindera benzoin 8'-15' 6'-15' Medicinal bark,leaves,twigs

Wh Spring Witch-hazel Hamamelis vernalis 6'-12' 6'-15' Medicinal bark,leaves,twigs

St Strawberry Fragaria vesca ground Edible berry, medicine

Sw Sweet Grass Anthoxanthum odorata 9"-16" Medicinal


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Pedestrian street with part vehicular traffic, Haslev, Denmark; Courtesy of wikimedia

Pedestrian street at night, Kirkenes, Norway; Courtesy of Wikimedia

Norway Pavilion, Shangai, China; Courtesy of Wikimedia

Solar grove over parking lot; Photo copyright 2005, Pablo Mason Photography,

Sidewalk Cafe at deYoung Museum, San Francisco; Courtesy of Wikimedia

‘Tree House;’Courtesy of Wikimedia

oTheQuad-sidePatioofferingoutdoorcafeservicewouldbearelaxingplaceforpeopletogatherforrefreshmentsormingleafteraneveningevent.oAraisedtreehouseplatformintheSensoryGardenwouldgivevisitorsof allagesadifferentvantagepointfromwhichtoappreciatethelandscape.oMuseumWaypedestrianstreetcouldbemodeledaftersuchstreetsinScandinavia,wherepedestriansandcarssharetheroad,

buttrafficisslowedandpedestriansareprivilegedovervehicles.oThepavilionintheNorthLawnmighthaveatent-likestructuresuchastheNorwayPavilion,wherethearchitecturesignalstousersthatexcitingfestivitiesarehappeningwithin.oAsolargroveortrellisoverparkingareasincreasethesustainabilityof theMuseums,maximizeontheopennessof thelots,andprovideshadeforvisitorsarrivinganddepartingviacar.

Final Design: o p e n a i r m u s e u m


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TheSpringfieldMuseumscampusisacitygem.ItsproximitytodowntownSpringfield,theConnecticutRiverWalk,andresidentialneighborhoodsmakesitacentralnodeforconnectingotherculturalandnaturallandmarkswithinacomfortablewalkingdistance.

OpenspaceintheurbanSpringfieldlandscapeisscatteredandcurrentlydisconnected.TheHeritageTrailinBostonisasuccessfulprecedentthatformsphysicalandthematicconnectionsamongspatiallyseparatedcityassetsbyusingcoloredbricktodelineatetheurbantrail.

Potentially,theOpenAirMuseumcouldserveasanexusthroughwhichanorthloopandasouthloopconverge.TheMuseumscouldprovideinformation,maps,andguidedtoursforthenewSpringfieldHeritageTrail—yetanotherreasonwhytheMuseumscanbeanexcitingdestinationandsimultaneouslycontributetotherevitalizationof Springfield.

Connecting Urban Districts, Open Spaces, & The River

open space within a 20-minute walk

Springfield Museums

Protected Open Space

Potential Path

Connecticut River Walk

SpringfieldCemetery

FederalSquareNationalArmory

ArmoryCommons

PynchonPark

SymphonyHall

ConnecticutRiverWalkAccessPoint

MerrickPark

ConnecticutRiver

open space (2010)

Open Air Museum @ Springfield Museums

Documents

Transcript of Open Air Museum @ Springfield Museums