| Landscape Architecture
Elmwood Park
In 2012, a comprehensive public engagement process resulted in a master plan for this historic park in downtown Roanoke. Throughout the process, we employed various community meetings, public workshops, and brainstorming sessions. Our award-winning design is frequently cited for its preservation, green design, and context-sensitive achievements.
A popular venue
Subsequently, we designed the park, which includes a main performance stage, a grass amphitheater, a spray pad, a public art walk, plentiful fountains, vendor areas, and lush plantings. Centrally located in downtown Roanoke, numerous events are held in the park each year.
A place to gather
Water fountains enliven the Sweetbay Magnolia allee. At night, multi-colored lights harmonize with the pulses of water.
a place of culture
A dead-end street is transformed into a lively thoroughfare with porous paving, seating, shade trees, rain garden pockets, and sculptural art pieces.
Wasena Bridge
After an 80-year stint as Roanoke’s longest bridge, Wasena Bridge, had reached the end of its useful life. We were hired by the City of Roanoke to conceptualize a new bridge to transfer Main Street over Wasnea Park and the Roanoke River. The arches gracefully span the park and river below, as well as the greenway, two railroad corridors, and a street. The broad width of the bridge connects greenways and provides an opportunity for new greenery and interpretive design.
A bridge as observation
The transparent design allows for views from the bridge to the mountains, and the park and the rails. Trees adorn the walkways at precise locations on the perimeter of the bridge, creating pocket places to sit and watch the river below.
Not just a bridge
The delicate arches provide a sense of sculptural splendor, jumping through the park, and river below.
a place
The bridge comes to life at night with programmable colored lighting, establishing a safe and inviting space in the park below.
Virginia Tech Derring Stair
Located at one of the main entrances on Virginia Tech’s campus, this corridor provides daily access to the heart of campus for thousands of students, professors and staff. The monumental stair design generates ample places to sit, mingle, relax, and view.
Not just a stairway
The mix of spaces, plantings, views, and travel ways generate both a notable welcome space to campus and a pleasant departing area.
a hangout
The wood benches built alongside the steps allows friends, colleagues, and classes to congregate. The warmth of the wood absorbs the sun during the winter months, permitting year round activity.
a classroom
Cozy spaces to study alone or meet up with friends are plentiful throughout the various levels. Students, professors and visitors are oriented to their destinations through ample views.