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Eda U. Gerstacker Grove
By : Stoss Landscape Urbanism
GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN – 14e édition
Discipline : Urban Design, Landscape Architecture & Landscaping
Categories : Landscape Architecture / Cultural & Institutional Landscape Architecture : Gold Certification
This quadrangle at the University of Michigan’s College of Engineering was transformed from a barren void into a verdant, vibrant space for students, faculty, and staff. The plaza is designed to seamlessly accommodate everyday circulation, active play including swings and beach volleyball, quiet gatherings in smaller nooks, and special performance events in larger open spaces.
The configuration of the central plaza, paths, landforms, flat lawns, and volleyball “beach” were designed to maximize different types of programmatic use including a large tent, food trucks, event staging, and market stalls. Sinuous custom benches of concrete and steel frame the walkways, providing space to sit, lounge, perch, play, and socialize.
The grove was enriched with over 160 new trees and features dramatic topographies; grassy hills rise to form shaded overlooks and frame lushly planted infiltration gardens. These gardens play an important role in the project’s sustainability agenda, in which 95% of stormwater is captured, retained, and infiltrated. As stormwater enters the gardens, over 100 reed-like acrylic rods with LED lights gently flicker, creating an ephemeral, sensorial experience on dreary days.
Demonstrating principles of flexibility, sustainability and innovative design, Gerstacker Grove is a responsive, resilient open space for the University. The space effectively enhances social connection, improves ecological health, and strengthens community wellbeing.
Collaboration
Engineering : Mannik Smith Group
Lighting : Illuminart
