Top Ten Master Plan Projects

TOP PROJECTS

looking back growing forward

TOP TEN PROJECTS

TEN

1. GARDEN ENTRY A. Blount Plaza B. Architectural Changes2. CONSERVATORY A. Exhibits in Palm, Desert and Eco Houses (existing houses) B. Persian and Ethnobotany Houses w/ Exhibits (new houses, includes universal entry to Persian House)3. CONSERVATORY TERRACES A. Performance Stage, Grand Staircase and Color Parterres (at existing houses) B. North and South Activity Terraces (at new houses)4. MAINTENANCE BUILDING & HORTICULTURE OFFICE A. Maintenance Building (LEED, earth-sheltered, green roof) B. Horticulture Office (LEED)5. UPPER PLAZA A. Entry Walks, Activity Terrace, Pavilion and Dunn Formal Rose Garden Path B. Expanded Restaurant Terrace6. HILL & STREAM GARDEN (Japanese Gardens) A. Phase 1 – Lower Stream B. Phase 2 – Upper Stream7. WETLAND HABITAT8. KARESANSUI (Dry Garden – Japanese Gardens)9. BONSAI PAVILION10. PRODUCTION GREENHOUSES A. F.B.I. Building (Potting Shed) B. Greenhouse Range (with cistern)

4A

4B

2A2B 2B

10B

3A3B3B

7

5A

5B

8

9

6A

6B

1A

1B

10A

August 14, 2013

0 100 200 400 600“Top Ten” Priority ProjectsBirmingham Botanical GardenBirmingham, Alabama

North

10

1. BLOUNT PLAZA2. CONSERVATORY EXHIBITS3. CONSERVATORY TERRACES4. HORTICULTURE MAINTENANCE COMPLEX5. UPPER PLAZA6. SEVEN VIRTUES WATERFALLS7. WETLANDS HABITAT8. KARESANSUI (DRY GARDEN)9. BONSAI PAVILION10. PLANT PRODUCTION GREENHOUSES

GARDEN ENTRY – BLOUNT PLAZA

THE ENTRANCE TO OUR OUTDOOR GARDENS REQUIRES A MAJOR RENOVATION TO ACHIEVE THE FOLLOWING:

• Welcome and orient visitors with elegant arrival, seating and gathering spaces;• Provide universally-designed access;• Support diverse special events, education programs and other activities; • Complement the architectural style of the Garden Center;• Accommodate gift shop activities;• Divert stormwater runoff into the Barber Alabama Woodlands wetlands;• Highlight donor recognition and provide donor opportunities.


4A

4B

2A2B 2B

10B

3A3B3B

7

5A

5B

8

9

6A

6B

1A

1B

10A

August 14, 2013


North

Garden Entry – Blount Plaza: Work here will initially focus on:

1A.) the area from the Granite Garden sculpture to the existing

drop-o�, and 1B.) possible architectural changes to the Garden Center.


TOP TEN PROJECTS

1

2010 Master Plan Detail: Scott Scarfone (Oasis Design Group)

Design: Landscape Architect Joel Eliason (Nimrod Long & Associates) and Architect John Carraway



TOP TEN PROJECTS

1

Stormwater runoff collects in the plaza even during moderate rain events. This condition makes access, events, programs and activities nearly impossible.

Trees in the plaza are either in decline from root constriction, or are heaving paving, creating safety hazards. Unfortunately, this Shumard oak required removal in 2013.

Minor root pruning on plaza trees can sometimes be performed, but it weakens the tree and is only a temporary solution to heaving pavement if the tree continues to thrive.



TOP TEN PROJECTS

1

With no people to visualize human scale, the plaza appears relatively spacious.

However, its design barely

accommodates our current events, programs and activities (for

example, the Fall Plant Sale) and

frustrates efforts to create new ones.

CONSERVATORY EXHIBITS

IMPORTANT CONSERVATORY EXHIBIT THEMES INCLUDE:• Water features illustrating plant adaptations to different global and regional climate zones;• Story-telling opportunities for diverse education programs and visitor engagement;• Meaningful, beautiful plant collections;• Multiple gathering and seating areas for events, programs and activities;• Artfully designed spaces for inspiration and relaxation;• Green technologies including shade/insulation blankets (already installed), Earth tube heating and high-pressure fogging systems;• Numerous and flexible naming opportunities for donors.


4A

4B

2A2B 2B

10B

3A3B3B

7

5A

5B

8

9

6A

6B

1A

1B

10A

August 14, 2013


North

Conservatory Exhibits: Following our Phase I Conservatory Improvements, this priority includes creating universal access to:

2A.) new exhibits in three existing conservatory houses, and 2B.) building two new houses with exhibits.


TOP TEN PROJECTS

2



FIVE CONSERVATORY HOUSES – FIVE THEMED EXHIBITS

2A.) TROPICAL HOUSE• Interpret tropical rain forest habitat for science-based school curricula;• Showcase tropical orchids on vertical pylons for high visual impact;• Incorporate central “rain curtain” and reflecting pool;• Feature important plants of commerce from the tropics including coffee, vanilla, pineapple, coconut and cacao (the source of chocolate).

2A.) ARID HOUSE• Interpret co-evolved adaptations among plants from different deserts of the world for science-based school curricula;• Showcase water emergence, conveyance and storage with stylized oasis, arroyo and cistern;• Feature natural Alabama stone to illustrate our state’s diverse geology and soils;• Incorporate interactive “wet wall” with disappearing images.

2A.) ECO-HOUSE• Interpret Gulf of Mexico estuary habitat with brackish/saline water feature;• Provide flex space for smaller, portable, seasonal exhibits for science-based school curricula;• Feature an aquaponics exhibit with vertical food gardens and tilapia tank;• Harvest solar energy.


TOP TEN PROJECTS

2


4A

4B

2A2B 2B

10B

3A3B3B

7

5A

5B

8

9

6A

6B

1A

1B

10A

August 14, 2013


North


FIVE CONSERVATORY HOUSES – FIVE THEMED EXHIBITS

2B.) PERSIAN HOUSE (NEW)• Interpret Mediterranean plants, including “first foods” like date palm and citrus for science-based school curricula;• Feature influential Persian design style in arches and paving;• Accommodate various small events and meetings;• Provide thematic and physical links to (future) Persian Garden.

2B.) MEDICINAL HOUSE (NEW)• Interpret plants with pharmacological and other human uses for science-based school curricula;• Inspire visitors with stories about traditional medicine, plant hunters, future cures and plant conservation;• Provide thematic and physical links to Vegetable Garden and Herb Terrace.


TOP TEN PROJECTS

2


4A

4B

2A2B 2B

10B

3A3B3B

7

5A

5B

8

9

6A

6B

1A

1B

10A

August 14, 2013


North

CONSERVATORY TERRACES

CENTRAL TERRACE WITH GRAND STAIRCASE AT TROPICAL HOUSE:

• Provides elegant and traditional setting for Conservatory;• Accommodates large gatherings and activities;• Doubles as an informal performance stage;• Is flanked by graceful walks amidst stylized borders of seasonal color;• Is available for naming opportunities.

SIDE TERRACES AT PERSIAN AND ECO- HOUSES:• Accommodate smaller gatherings and activities;• Act in concert with central terrace for larger events;• Are available for naming opportunities.


4A

4B

2A2B 2B

10B

3A3B3B

7

5A

5B

8

9

6A

6B

1A

1B

10A

August 14, 2013


North

Conservatory Terraces: Work here includes 3A.) central terrace and color parterres at existing conservatory houses,

and 3B.) secondary terraces at two new conservatory houses.


TOP TEN PROJECTS

3


CONSERVATORY TERRACES


TOP TEN PROJECTS

3

In consultation with the artist, the bronze Frank Fleming sculptures of fabled woodland animals (around the clock) will be conserved and re-purposed in another location.

The existing water feature and clock obscure the entrance to our most significant garden structure, and are broken beyond repair. Entrance ramps are not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. These features will be removed.

The existing terrace at the conservatory entrance is uneven and too small to accommodate gathering and activities.

HORTICULTURE MAINTENANCE COMPLEX

THE EXISTING FACILITIES FOR STAFF AND MAINTENANCE DATE TO THE 1960S AND ARE

OUTDATED AND MUCH TOO SMALL TO CONTAIN CURRENT AND FUTURE NEEDS AND USES.

FUTURE STRUCTURES WILL:• Incorporate green technologies such as solar power, earth-sheltering, green roofs, locally-sourced and eco-friendly materials;• Predict and accommodate staff and program growth;• Help to separate public and staff areas, increasing security and visitor safety; • Assist in responsible stormwater management with bioswale feature;• Allow naming opportunities.


4A

4B

2A2B 2B

10B

3A3B3B

7

5A

5B

8

9

6A

6B

1A

1B

10A

August 14, 2013


North

Horticulture Maintenance Complex: Work here includes 4A.) a partially earth-sheltered, green-roofed maintenance and storage

building, and 4B.) a two-story building (with bioswale feature) for horticultural sta�, volunteers and associated activities.


TOP TEN PROJECTS

4




TOP TEN PROJECTS

4

�e Horticulture Maintenance Complex site is an east-facing sloping hillside that could easily accommodate the proposed structures.

Existing bins for bulk materials would be moved, and existing lath houses would be re-organized for e�ciency. We would seek certi�cation for this

project as a green building under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program of the US Green Building Council.


4A

4B

2A2B 2B

10B

3A3B3B

7

5A

5B

8

9

6A

6B

1A

1B

10A

August 14, 2013


North



TOP TEN PROJECTS

4

The main entrance to the offices features a rain garden and beautiful local

stone engraved with donor names.

Completed in 2010, the Horticulture Center project earned a LEED Platinum certification for its adherence to green building standards. Offices are at center and a maintenance garage is at right.

This maintenance garage features a planted roof and employs aluminum cisterns to

harvest rainwater. Collected water ties into irrigation systems for the roof.

Inside view of the same maintenance garage.

Inside the office spaces with copious natural light and an open, inviting

floor plan.

MORRIS ARBORETUM, CHESTNUT HILL, PA "CASE STUDY"

UPPER PLAZA

KEY GARDEN AND ACTIVITY AREAS SURROUNDING THIS IMPORTANT TRANSITION SPACE WERE BUILT AT

DIFFERENT TIMES. DESIGN GOALS ARE TO:• Provide universally-designed access into the Dunn Formal Rose Garden

and other gardens beyond;• Support diverse special events, education programs and other activities

in a seamless fashion; • Complement the architectural style of the Garden Center;• Unify the design of four different adjacent spaces;• Divert stormwater runoff into the Barber Alabama Woodlands

wetlands and away from Blount Plaza below;• Provide naming opportunities for donors.


4A

4B

2A2B 2B

10B

3A3B3B

7

5A

5B

8

9

6A

6B

1A

1B

10A

August 14, 2013


North

�is project encompasses: 5A.) the area between the Dunn Formal Rose Garden, Blount Plaza, Barber Alabama

Woodlands and the octagonal Color Bowl, and 5B.) architectural changes to expand the restaurant terrace.


TOP TEN PROJECTS

5


UPPER PLAZA – EXISTING CONDITIONS


TOP TEN PROJECTS

5

The north-south cross axis through the rose garden passes gracefully through Mario Villa’s Topiary Tempietto, but lacks a

visual terminus and destination.

The foundation of the overlook at the Dunn Formal Rose Garden is in poor condition. The access ramp does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Additional walls are required to support the edge of this garden and create space for an

outdoor room-defining hedge.

Visually, the octagonal Color Bowl washes with the rose garden beyond; neither space is well-defined absent an enclosure at their

boundary.

UPPER PLAZA

THIS DESIGN ACHIEVES ALL OUR GOALS IN A TIDY AND ELEGANT MANNER BY:

• Repeating Garden Center architectural elements in an expanded restaurant terrace and a new activity pavilion;

• Terminating the rose garden cross axis with the same pavilion;• Articulating garden and activity areas with walls, hedges and other

new plantings;• Expanding event and activity areas with a new terrace;• Separating in-and-out visitor traffic from adjacent event, activity

and gathering spaces;• Achieving barrier-free access in all areas.


TOP TEN PROJECTS

5

Scott Scarfone (Oasis Design Group)

SEVEN VIRTUES WATERFALLS

THIS WATERCOURSE, IN THE TRADITIONAL HILL AND STREAM GARDEN STYLE, IS ARGUABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURE IN THE DESIGN OF

OUR JAPANESE GARDENS. THIS IS BECAUSE IT:• Acts as a physical and metaphoric backbone of the design;• Organizes a number of important spaces along its length;• Allows crossings via one wooden and two stone bridges;• Masks off-site noise with the sound of rushing water;• Evokes the timelessness of this garden’s style.

THE RENOVATION WOULD:• Repair all leaking pools and falls will easily-repaired clay liners;• Support waterfalls with “behind the scenes” monolithic concrete weirs;• Reset boulder compositions dislodged by erosion (masking the weirs);• Provide additional seating and gathering areas;• Increase accessibility with one additional bridge;• Improve water quality in Long Life Lake;• Incorporate donor naming opportunities.


4A

4B

2A2B 2B

10B

3A3B3B

7

5A

5B

8

9

6A

6B

1A

1B

10A

August 14, 2013


North

Seven Virtues Waterfalls (Japanese Gardens): �is project calls for a major renovation to the overall watercourse in the 6A.) upper section – from the Tea Garden to the �rst stone

bridge, and 6B.) lower section – downstream to Long Life Lake.


TOP TEN PROJECTS

6

2008 Japanese Gardens Renovation Plan Detail: Shinichiro Abe & Peter White (ZEN Associates)

SEVEN VIRTUES WATERFALLS


TOP TEN PROJECTS

6

Inside view of the same maintenance

Postcard, c. 1985, showing part of the Seven Virtues Waterfalls. These characteristics refer to Bushido, known as the “Way of the Samu-rai,” and are Rectitude, Courage, Benevolence, Respect, Honesty, Honor and Loyalty.

LARGE FALLS EXISTING: A current view of the same area. Seating will be added around this pool, which will be deepened to accommodate koi. The

venerable existing junipers are important plants in this area and will remain.

LARGE FALLS BEFORE: The largest waterfall and pool in a postcard view, c. 1985.SMALL FALLS BEFORE: Postcard, c. 1970,

showing an early view of the first falls and uppermost pool at the Tea Garden.

SMALL FALLS EXISTING: A current view of the same area. The renovation calls for some

changes in plantings

adjacent to the stream, but the

intimate and enclosed nature

of this particular setting will remain intact.

WETLANDS HABITAT

A RENOVATION HERE WOULD POSITIVELY IMPACT A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT DESIGN CONCEPTS:

• Stormwater Management •Spaciousenoughtoholdsignificantamountof waterfromupstreamflow; •Helptopreventdownstreamerosion; •Storedwatermaybeintegratedintoirrigationssystems; •Overallimprovementsinwaterqualitywillresult.• Connectivity •Pathswillconnecttoparkingareas,improvingvisitorsafety; •PathswillconnecttoRedRockRidge&ValleyTrailSystematLaneParkRd.• Programming •Asthefirstadditiontoafuturesuiteof AlabamaHabitatGardens, newprogramopportunitiesandcapacitywillbecreated.• Collections Development •Areawillprovidelargestvarietyof wet&moisthabitatsinfullsunonoursite; •Opportunitytoexpandcollectionsof manydesirablenativeplantsof ornamentaland conservationvalue.• Donor Engagement •Multiplenamingopportunitieswillbeavailable.


4A

4B

2A2B 2B

10B

3A3B3B

7

5A

5B

8

9

6A

6B

1A

1B

10A

August 14, 2013


North

Wetlands Habitat (Alabama Habitat Garden): �is project re-imagines the entrance experience driving in o� of Lane Park Road as a bridge through naturalistic constructed wetlands on

both sides of the road.


TOP TEN PROJECTS

7


WETLANDS HABITAT


TOP TEN PROJECTS

7

EXISTING: To the right of the entry drive, showing existing storm drainage pipes and

the elevation of the existing stream.

EXISTING: Lane Park Road Entrance: Colorful plantings will still be featured here to welcome visitors with seasonal flowers; sidewalks will lead through the habitat areas and into the rest of The Gardens.

EXISTING: Views to the Formal Garden and Conservatory will be preserved, to better jux-tapose the stylized, wet meadow-like quali-

ty of the habitat areas in the foreground with

EXISTING: During periods of heavy rain, stormwater will be stored on both sides of the

entry drive, seen here in a recent image.

WETLANDS HABITAT


TOP TEN PROJECTS

7

EXISTING: The existing, concrete-lined pond at our entry shown with typical annual algae build-up, requiring tedious maintenance. This feature will be removed

in favor of a more natural ecosystem with water-holding capacity.


4A

4B

2A2B 2B

10B

3A3B3B

7

5A

5B

8

9

6A

6B

1A

1B

10A

August 14, 2013


North

WETLANDS HABITAT


TOP TEN PROJECTS

7

BEAUTIFUL WETLAND PLANTS: A SAMPLING OF WETLAND PLANTS SUITABLE FOR THIS AREA INCLUDE BOTH ORNAMENTAL SUBJECTS AND THOSE

OF CONSERVATION VALUE; ALL WOULD EXPAND OUR LIVING COLLECTIONS.

June �owers on cutleaf American elderberry (Sambucus canadensis ‘Acutiloba’).

Red-hot spikes of hummingbird-friendly cardinal �ower (Lobelia cardinalis) bloom in summer and fall.

Winter fruits on the rare Neches River rosemallow (Hibiscus dasycalyx), a Texas endemic that thrives here.

Yellow July stars on cut-leaf cone�ower (Rudbeckia laciniata).

Dried winter fruits of smooth witherod (Viburnum nudum).

Specialized insect-trapping leaves of white-topped pitcher plant (Sarracenia leucophylla).

�is newly-discovered species of Fothergilla has beautiful bluish leaves, but no scienti�c name yet.

Intoxicatingly fragrant spring �owers of Florida �ame azalea (Rhododendron austrinum).

�e summer-�owering plumleaf azalea (Rhododendron prunifolium) is found in only seven counties in Alabama and Georgia.

�e small white �owers of sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana) smell of lemons.

�e lovely �owers of the Southern blue �ag (Iris prismatica) and pollinators.

Numerous spiderlilies in the genus Hymenocallis would thrive in this location; we struggle to �ower these due to lack of sunny, wet spots.

Gray foliage and pink blooms on swamp rosemallow (Hibiscus grand�orus).

�e wild, single-�owered form of Confederate Rose (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis var. normalis) is an example of a well-be-haved non-native suitable for this location.

KARESANSUI (DRY GARDEN)

THIS CONTEMPLATIVE SPACE, WITH MOSS, RAKED CRUSHED STONE AND STONE COMPOSITIONS, IS A

TRADITIONAL FEATURE IN MANY JAPANESE GARDENS. THE PROPOSED RENOVATION WOULD:

• Create a new layout for the overall garden, following traditional examples of shape and proportion;• Include a barrier-free path from the Cherry Walk to achieve ADA compliance;• Incorporate a raised viewing platform with traditional paving and seating;• Preserve significant existing plantings, and improve others;• Re-set stone compositions to follow idealized 3-5-7 Japanese numerology;• Provide naming opportunities.


4A

4B

2A2B 2B

10B

3A3B3B

7

5A

5B

8

9

6A

6B

1A

1B

10A

August 14, 2013


North

Karesansui (Dry Garden, Japanese Gardens): Considered part of our Tea Garden, this priority calls for a renovation of the

existing feature and its immediate surroundings, to raise the level of sophistication to more closely match that of

Toshin-an, our tea house.


TOP TEN PROJECTS

8


KARESANSUI (DRY GARDEN)


TOP TEN PROJECTS

8

EXISTING: �e triangular shape of the existing karesansui is unusual as is the irregular edging. �e renovation would allow us to create a

more typical form, and make needed repairs to the cracks in the dobei walls.

RYOANJI: �e famous karesansui at the Ryoan-ji Temple, Kyoto, Japan, is considered the ideal model for studying this form of design, and we

would emulate many of its characteristics in our renovation.

BONSAI PAVILION

A COLLECTION OF BONSAI (“TRAY PLANTING”) TREES IS OFTEN A FEA-TURE OF TRADITIONAL JAPANESE GARDENS. THIS ART FORM COM-

BINES ROOT AND SHOOT PRUNING AND STEM TRAINING TO ACHIEVE THE ILLUSION OF GREAT AGE. IT HAS BEEN PRACTICED IN JAPAN FOR MANY CENTURIES AND THE OLDEST PLANTS HAVE BEEN IN TRAINING

FOR ~300 YEARS. OUR NEW PAVILION WOULD NEED TO:

• Provide sufficient security to protect the valuable trees while allowing the pub-lic to view their beauty. • Integrate irrigations systems for once- or twice-daily watering.• Accommodate storage of certain materials.• Possess a sufficient level of architectural sophistication;• Incorporate naming opportunities for donors.


4A

4B

2A2B 2B

10B

3A3B3B

7

5A

5B

8

9

6A

6B

1A

1B

10A

August 14, 2013


North

Bonsai Garden (Japanese Gardens): �is area lies at the western edge of the Japanese Gardens. �e renovation plan

calls for replacing the existing Bonsai Pavilion with a new one, and making modi�cations to paths for improved access

and sequential circulation.


TOP TEN PROJECTS

9


BONSAI PAVILION


TOP TEN PROJECTS

9

EXISTING: Unfortunately, our trees have been stolen and vandalized in the past, which led to the installation of metal grills. The plants are protected, but the viewing experience is greatly diminished and regular maintenance requires lifting the heavy screens.

EXISTING: The exist-ing Bonsai Pavilion is accessed from a steep dead-end path (it does not connect to other paths). A new accessi-ble path would be part of this renovation.

EXISTING: Narrow paths and high overhead structures cast significant shade, making cultivation of many bonsai species difficult; moss growth of-ten makes these paths slippery underfoot.

BONSAI PAVILION

• A concept for the new Bonsai Pavilion in the Sho-in style. • With an emphasis on a roofline that is visible from the main path, the pavilion sits in front of the collection. • The remaining three sides of the space are enclosed with “dobei” style walls. • Structures are located inside for bonsai display, and are visible through open-ings in the facade. • Visitors view parts of the collection at all times, and the entire collection only when staff and volunteers are present and the gates are open.• The trees are (correctly) viewed with a blank backdrop to allow the intricacies of each specimen to stand out.


TOP TEN PROJECTS

9


T h e G a r d e n R e n o v a t i o n P l a nf o r t h e J a p a n e s e G a r d e n s a t B i r m i n g h a m B o t a n i c a l G a r - ZEN Associates, Inc.

7

4 - BONSAI PAVILION 4 - BONSAI PAVILION 4 - BONSAI PAVILION 4 - BONSAI PAVILION 4 - BONSAI PAVILIONProgramEvaluate the existing structure with regard to location, layout, design, utility, accessibility,safety and security. Develop solutions to eliminate shortcomings, or consider relocationand redesign of a similarly-sized structure, if warranted.

DesignA new building is proposed to house the bonsai collection. Architecturally, the newstructure will be more of a “Shoin” style rather than the more humble “Sukiya” style.

• Location: The Bonsai Pavilion presently is located along the western side of theJapanese Gardens, along Cahaba Road. While relocating the building to a sitecloser to the main entrance could solve the security issues, the current locationallows it to be an important node within the Japanese Gardens, and therefore shouldremain there.

• Structure: The view of the roofline is very important in the Japanese Garden. Anentry structure should be constructed for the eastern facade with a roofline that isvisible from the main path. The remaining three sides of the pavilion should beenclosed with a “dobei” style wall. Structures will be located for the display of theBonsai similar to the existing walls, which will be visible through windows in theentry facade. This allows visitors to view parts of the collection while full access isclosed.

• Vegetation: Each of the Bonsai trees should only be viewed from one side, with ablank backdrop to allow the intricacies of each specimen to stand out.

• Circulation: A new pathway connects the Bonsai Pavilion back to the main path.

• Amenities: Exhibit signage could beincorporated at the entry which providesa brief insight into the art and culture ofbonsai.

• Security: Access should be controlledthrough program scheduling. A videocamera system should be installedthroughout the pavilion.

Newpath

Entryfacade

DobeiWall

T h e G a r d e n R e n o v a t i o n P l a nf o r t h e J a p a n e s e G a r d e n s a t B i r m i n g h a m B o t a n i c a l G a r - ZEN Associates, Inc.

7

4 - BONSAI PAVILION 4 - BONSAI PAVILION 4 - BONSAI PAVILION 4 - BONSAI PAVILION 4 - BONSAI PAVILIONProgramEvaluate the existing structure with regard to location, layout, design, utility, accessibility,safety and security. Develop solutions to eliminate shortcomings, or consider relocationand redesign of a similarly-sized structure, if warranted.

DesignA new building is proposed to house the bonsai collection. Architecturally, the newstructure will be more of a “Shoin” style rather than the more humble “Sukiya” style.

• Location: The Bonsai Pavilion presently is located along the western side of theJapanese Gardens, along Cahaba Road. While relocating the building to a sitecloser to the main entrance could solve the security issues, the current locationallows it to be an important node within the Japanese Gardens, and therefore shouldremain there.

• Structure: The view of the roofline is very important in the Japanese Garden. Anentry structure should be constructed for the eastern facade with a roofline that isvisible from the main path. The remaining three sides of the pavilion should beenclosed with a “dobei” style wall. Structures will be located for the display of theBonsai similar to the existing walls, which will be visible through windows in theentry facade. This allows visitors to view parts of the collection while full access isclosed.

• Vegetation: Each of the Bonsai trees should only be viewed from one side, with ablank backdrop to allow the intricacies of each specimen to stand out.

• Circulation: A new pathway connects the Bonsai Pavilion back to the main path.

• Amenities: Exhibit signage could beincorporated at the entry which providesa brief insight into the art and culture ofbonsai.

• Security: Access should be controlledthrough program scheduling. A videocamera system should be installedthroughout the pavilion.

Newpath

Entryfacade

DobeiWall

“EAST ELEVATION”“NORTH ELEVATION”

BONSAI PAVILION

PLAN

PLANT PRODUCTION GREENHOUSES

LAYOUT OF EXISTING PRODUCTION GREENHOUSES WASTES VALUABLE SPACE AND THEIR SIZE IS INADEQUATE FOR FU-

TURE NEEDS; MOST DATE FROM THE 1960S, LIKE THE POTTING SHED AND ARE TECHNOLOGICALLY OUTMODED.

NEW FACILITIES ACCOMPLISH THE FOLLOWING:• Save energy by being gutter-connected into one large range;• Save space by eliminating “alleys” between separate structures;• Organize growing activities in a production-line manner;• Provide important outdoor “lay-down” space for developing plants;• Improve circulation patterns for greater staff efficiencies;• Allow energy-saving green technologies to be implemented;• Assist in stormwater management through rainwater harvesting;• Incorporate donor naming opportunities (including for Fay Ireland, whose donation will fund the new Potting Shed).


4A

4B

2A2B 2B

10B

3A3B3B

7

5A

5B

8

9

6A

6B

1A

1B

10A

August 14, 2013


North

Plant Production Greenhouses: �is detail shows a new range of 10B.) plant production greenhouses and 10A.)

potting shed (or head house) roughly sited in the location of the existing Maintenance Building.


TOP TEN PROJECTS

10




TOP TEN PROJECTS

10

3.) EXISTING: Concrete roadways in the maintenance area appear spacious, but are not well-designed. Stormwater runoff is not controlled effectively.

1.) EXISTING: Dating back to the 1960s, our existing production greenhouses are old, technologically outmoded and not worth the cost of renovation. Most of the area they occupy should be converted to gardens, to encircle the Conservatory with gardens.

2.) EXISTING: An example of the wasted space between the existing greenhouses, which are not gutter-connected. A new layout eliminates wasted spaces like this.



TOP TEN PROJECTS

10

3.) PROPOSED: A field of water storage containers can supply significant irrigation water (currently gleaned from potable supplies); irrigation system can be powered by a small solar pump.

1.) PROPOSED: Monolithic, gutter-connected greenhouse range uses space efficiently, and allows maximum internal flexibility for modifying environmental zones and growing different crops.

2.) PROPOSED: Large cisterns, envisioned beneath the new greenhouse range, will harvest runoff from greenhouse roofs. A 1” rainfall on the proposed roof = 80,000 gallons of water.

Top Ten Master Plan Projects

Documents

Transcript of Top Ten Master Plan Projects