Land F/X :: Professional Landscape and Irrigation Design Software

GONZAGA UNIVERSITY COLLEGE HALL PLAZA
Sherry Pratt Van Voorhis Landscape Architects

This plaza is the ideal contextual fit for an entryway to a major, religious university campus located in a well-established, historic neighborhood. It has become a destination and clearly defined “place” imbued with meaning that mirrors the identity and mission of the Gonzaga community. The pedestrian friendly plaza combines granite signage and pilasters to create a comprehensible, dynamic gateway that invokes a sense of arrival and assists way-finding as people enter the campus. At the plaza’s terminus is a central courtyard and tiered fountain with a bronze sculpture of St. Ignatius Loyola. St. Ignatius’ influence on faith is reflected in the ripples formed by the water feature. A radial paving pattern constructed of two-tone concrete pavers originates at the fountain and mirrors its form by creating additional “ripples” in the ground plane that move outward in a circular pattern. Finishing the plaza are twelve columnar yew that are reflective of the twelve Apostles. The organization of design elements and varied use of materials allows the plaza to become an expression of deep rich meaning on a human scale.

Previous Project

Award Listings

Next Project