Landscape improvements for this new mixed-use development integrate and enhance the streetscape improvement measures the city of West Vancouver is currently implementing, providing a vibrant and pedestrian friendly landscape along the entire perimeter of the site. The landscape design for the 1300 Block, Marine Drive South at Ambleside Village Centre contributes to the City’s goals for revitalization by creating a strong public streetscape, flexible spaces for community activities, and locations for plazas, cafés, art installations, and a healthy and vibrant civic realm. The project makes use of the material palette and other design standards set forth by the City, with modifications to provide upgrades of paving and other features, establishing a compelling design and strong place-making for public and private realms. Maple trees unify the street edge and provide continuity with the existing tree canopies along Marine Drive. Along the street edges and through the Galleria plaza, colored concrete bands add interest and variety to the ground plane, extending across Bellevue Avenue, which may be closed off to provide temporary plaza space for community events.
Sculptures and art installations emphasize the public, pedestrian-friendly character of the neighborhood, provide focal points for pedestrian and vehicular traffic along Marine Drive and function as thresholds to the 14th street and the Bellevue plazas. Art installations at the north and south corners highlight the gateways to the project, while special paving, trees in grates, lighting, and movable seating increases the appeal and livable character. Sustainable elements throughout the project include the use of permeable paving and a series of linear landscape panels that serve as rain gardens.
The project was honored with a ULI Americas Award for Excellence in 2021
Avenida Houston
For many visitors, the George R. Brown Convention Center serves as Downtown Houston’s gateway. Ahead of hosting the Super Bowl, city officials sought to transform the convention center’s uninspiring eight-lane drop-off into a pedestrian plaza for civic enrichment, art, and leisure. SWA took on this ambitious 140,000-square-foot redesign, converting five city b...
OCT Bay
Located in Shenzhen, OCT Bay has a combined site area of approximately 1.25 square kilometers including equal parts new urban center and nature preserve. SWA provided both master planning and landscape architectural services for the entire site. As a new urban cultural and entertainment destination, OCT Bay provides urban amenities, entertainment components, p...
East Quarter Mixed-Use
Two neighborhoods that abut the Downtown Dallas Central Business District have been disconnected for years by derelict blocks and buildings. The East Quarter Mixed-Use development establishes a walkable retail, dining, and entertainment connection between the thriving Deep Ellum Farmer’s Market and highly programmed Arts District. The project included the pres...
Riyadh East Sub-Center
SWA provided comprehensive planning for a new 300-hectare commercial, mixed-use center in northeast Riyadh abutting the KKI Airport. This area is part of an urban management framework being developed to guide the future growth of the city. SWA developed a plan and implementation strategy to establish an urban center comprising residential neighborhoods, corpor...