2009 VA ASLA Awards

Analysis & Planning Student - Choreographed Flow and Constructed Experience

Merit Award 

Project: Choreographed Flow and Constructed Experience
Student Landscape architect:  Elise Mazareas, University of Virginia

As part of a third year graduate studio, students where ask to research concepts of landscape preservation as well as ideas of what it means to renovate an existing, culturally significant landscape. This design project was focused on the renovation of the Water Street entry to Charlottesville's Downtown Mall. The goal was to devise an appropriate addition based on an understanding of the original design and it intentions.

This design proposal re-envisions the space between the Omni Hotel and the Charlottesville Ice Park as an extended, immersive threshold whose character is distinct in its material and experiential qualities from the other side streets leading into the Mall. Based on an analysis of Halprin's understanding of the choreographed rhythms and flows along the Mall, this garden threshold will be composed of a series of passages, with alternate rhythms of steps and ramps, allowing for variety of movement from Water Street into the Downtown.

This proposal intends to create a processional space that provides a distinct experience of entry into the Downtown Mall - a garden in the city serving as a momentary place of solitude and respite amidst the boisterous, vibrant back drop of one of Charlottesville's busiest streets.

Some of the jury comments included:
- Very nice graphic presentation and analysis methods
- Interesting study on plant types and their design impact in public spaces