066_077ACConstellation
10/21/04
7:46 PM
Page 69
The interventions run like a trickle of
water in a dried arroyo and end in a series of
separate water baskets that collectively form
align with the alley of trees. At the west
end, which connects to the road and valet
building on the south and by six-story park-
parking, the trees are changed into basket
ing garage structures on both north and east,
forms that reference the first inhabitants of
so it has extremely limited access to sunlight.
the area. The view is framed by a cluster of
The elements of structure incorporated were
flutes that helps protect people in the
the pacing of the alley of trees.
garden from the traffic, yet still allows
visibility from the street.
In the west end of the garden, a series
ocher-colored, freestanding concrete wall
of bowls are activated by moving swirling
reflects warm light into the passageway.
water that emanates from under the stain-
Behind the seat wall along the face of the
less steel top of the bowls. The granite
parking garage a stainless steel curvilinear
stone mosaic interiors of the bowls refer to
screen acts as a simple backdrop that
"feather and swirl patterns" used in the
reflects light into the garden while hiding
Native American baskets. This relief forms a
the parking garage, but from the parking
washboard-texture that creates a soft sonic
garage one can look through to the passage-
aspect to the water reminiscent of the white
way. The light, sand colored ground plain
sound from a brook. The pattern is visible
completes the envelope to make a light airy
through the texture and relief from the
volume to the walkway. Collectively these
raised mosaic of stone.The soft sound of
light reflective surfaces form the stage for
water comes from all four bowls.As a visitor
the sculptural elements.
walks past them, the relationship of the
As one enters from the east side, a curvi-
sonic experience shifts and changes, either
linear seat wall becomes a reference to the
surrounding you or being heard from a dis-
eroded canyon wall. This wall of poured
tance, and collectively helps to muffle the
stratified concrete containing different den-
noise of the traffic.
sities of sand and fine washed stone and
If the water has to be tuned off, due to a
pyrite reference sedimentary rock. The
drought, the bowls will still look beautiful as
embedded stainless steel lines of the seat are
elements flowing in the courtyard. The
cantilevered over the ground plane and cast
placement of the bowls suggests raised
shadows at different times of day. This also
eddies in the flow of the river.At night the
acts as a retaining wall for the tree wells as
flutes, bowls and screens are all illuminated.
“When I was commissioned for the landscape design for this public area/garden outside the building that had already been completed. I was asked to rethink the area and was given license from
the architect to not just add interventions but to alter some of the previously designed elements.
Shaw worked with me from the initial conceptual design, through a series of mock-ups to get the
qualities I wanted, and nothing was too much trouble. The whole team worked so well together,
they have so much pride in their work. Shaw & Sons’ concern for the finish and detail was wonderful. They were always extremely helpful and efficient. It was a very rewarding working relationship. I hope I have another opportunity to work with them soon.”
Anna Valentina Murch
Arroyo Suite,
Constellation Place, Century City, Los Angeles
Close-up of Coral Sand Lithocrete®.
The canopy supports are moved to
feet, is enclosed by the new high-rise office
of the "canyon walls." On one side a yellow
Plan view of tactical warning at base of
stainless steel flute and uplight detail.
garage structure.
a sonic walk. The walkway, 40 feet x 240
It was important to frame the lower level
Mosaic American Indian basket designs.
this whole public space is over a parking
69