2007 VA ASLA Awards
Research Professional - McCormick Road and Pavilion Alleys, Historic Landscape Study
Merit Award
Project: McCormick Road and Pavilion Alleys, Historic Landscape Study
Research and historical landscape architecture: John Milner Associates
Project oversight and direction: University of Virginia, Office of the Architect
Prime consultant and traffic engineering: Kimley - Horn Associates
The University of Virginia's Academical Village, designed by Thomas Jefferson in the early 19th century, is recognized throughout the world as an exemplary work of architecture and landscape design. Inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, the Academical Village is visited by thousands of people each year, while continuing to function as an integral part of an active educational institution. As steward of this significant historic property, the University of Virginia plays an active role in both protecting the historic resources of the Academical Village and accommodating contemporary activities and uses associated with education and tourism.
The McCormick Road and Pavilion Alley Historic Landscape Study was commissioned by the University as the critical first step in addressing concerns regarding the circulation system within and surrounding the Academical Village. These roads, including McCormick Road and the ten Pavilion Alleys, provide access to the Lawn-the open and landscaped heart of the University-and serve as the primary introduction to the historic site for many visitors. Jefferson saw this system as crucial to the functioning of his Academical Village and gave its design serious consideration prior to and during the University's early 19th-century construction. Today, resident and visitor safety, increasing competition for parking, inadequate wayfinding and lighting systems, deteriorated paving, poor drainage, and the poor condition and character of other landscape features are the primary issues of concern to the University administration.
The project benefited greatly from a close working relationship between the owner/client, the landscape architect, and the consulting traffic and civil engineer. Each group contributed to the study by presenting contemporary issues that informed a framework of research questions. They also provided input to resolve conflicting documentary evidence and shared research findings as a means for establishing the approach to rehabilitation. This project will likely serve as a model for future rehabilitation projects associated with the Academical Village. This approach could also serve as a model for other historic sites in the state and region facing similar concerns.
