High Island, Texas, a salt dome mound amidst the Gulf Coast flats, has been an active site for oil extraction over the past century. Today, it is primarily known as an international birding destination, with an outstanding variety of migratory birds that visit and nest in the nature sanctuaries managed by the Houston Audubon Society. SWA worked with HAS to develop a facilities master plan as well as a “destination experience” for the birdwatching community. The plan’s standout feature is a 700-foot-long Canopy Walk that meanders through the existing tree canopy, leading visitors to man-made island overlooks where egret, spoonbill, and cormorant populations establish their nesting homes every year. The boardwalk was shaped to work through and around the existing heritage oaks and other large trees, while mimicking tree structures in order to better blend in with the natural setting. At the entry of the boardwalk is an existing pumphouse that will be converted into an open-air pavilion to welcome guests and host events. With resilient structural features, a sensitive design that minimizes disturbance of existing habitat, and selected materials that can withstand the forces of the harsh coastal environment, High Island’s popularity has helped the Houston Audubon Society realize its mission to create healthier environment by leading and nurturing a community that values and supports birds.
Nanjing International Youth Cultural Centre
SWA was retained to design the landscape of this mixed-use development collaboratively with Zaha Hadid Architects. It contains performing arts, hotel, residential, office and retail functions. Located adjacent to SWA’s Nanjing Youth Olympic Park, the design strives to merge architecture, the park landscape, and people at this iconic focal point. Landform...
Exploration Green
The Clear Lake City Water Authority (CLCWA) identified the increased needs for water detention due to the development increase in this area and bought an unprofitable golf course in 2005. SWA was engaged to design and master-plan the effort’s detention pond. The plan’s goals included flood mitigation and water quality improvements, along with the establi...
Guthrie Green Park
Guthrie Green transforms a 2.6-acre truck yard into a lively urban park in the heart of downtown Tulsa’s emerging arts district. Opened in September 2012, Guthrie Green has become the area’s leading destination, drawing 3,000 plus people weekly to activities that have enriched the urban experience and spurred district-wide revitalization. The high-performance ...
Bray's Bayou
Stretching 35 miles from the mouth of the Houston Ship Channel westward through residential, commercial and institutional developments, Brays Bayou is one of the most important waterways in Harris County, and a critical link in the area’s watershed. The $450-million project was first established in the early 2000s, with the goal of mitigatin...