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Johns Hopkins University

Open Space Improvements II

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Project Category:
Location: Baltimore, MD
Client: Johns Hopkins University
Architect/Engineer: RKK
Contractor: Whiting-Turner

FTLA served as landscape architect for the open space improvements for a four-acre site at the Homewood Campus of the Johns Hopkins University. At the time a mix of roads, sidewalks and utilities, the resulting design removed most vehicular traffic from the interior of the site and replaced it with curvilinear paths, plazas and plantings.

Site Unseen

Every project has them. Functional requirements that are necessary, but not necessarily attractive. At FTLA, we excel at finding creative landscaping solutions that help camouflage not-so-pretty site fixtures like Dumpsters, HVAC condenser units, loading docks and backup generators. At Johns Hopkins Homewood Campus, one of our biggest challenges was incorporating a fire access lane into the pedestrian-oriented space. The resulting design met all fire lane regulations while transforming the fire access lane into an attractive walkway that is as beautiful as it is functional.

Preexisting Conditions

Every site has its challenges, and this one was no exception. In addition to the challenges inherent with merging a new design with existing buildings and old asphalt walks, the University presented a highly complex infrastructure FTLA had to design around. An extensive utility network of concrete duct banks plus lines for gas, water, electric and telecommunications limited where trees could be planted and what types of plantings would survive considering the heat generated by some of the lines. By working closely with the team’s civil engineers, FTLA was able to obtain all needed information to fully understand site utilities, and the final design relocated trees and made other concessions to successfully mesh the landscape with the underground infrastructure.

Fine Specimens

Decades of field experience have given FTLA exposure to all types of work. One of the most unique aspects of this project involved evaluating and relocating two specimen trees that were located in the area the University identified for improvements. As part of the scope of work for landscape design, FTLA relocated two prized trees: a mature American Holly and a stately Burford Holly that the client wanted to keep. Under the supervision of a forester, the two specimen trees were root pruned and fertilized, then their root balls were removed, wrapped in burlap and chained before a crane was brought in to hoist the trees and drop them into their new locations, where they continue to thrive today.

Time & Money

While budget and schedule play a role in virtually every project, the Open Space Improvements at Johns Hopkins University presented an additional requirement in that work needed to be performed while the school remained open to students. In order to ensure that the space remained fully functional while design and construction were underway, FTLA staff had to be accessible around the clock to respond to change orders from contractors working on site. Thanks to this high-level of responsiveness, the project was completed on schedule without disrupting student amenities.

In Context

FTLA takes a birds-eye view of all projects in terms of both context to the surrounding areas and with an eye to the intended future use of each site. At Hopkins Homewood Campus, although the campus is open and wooded, it is located in an urban setting and issues related to existing utilities, proposed utilities, and future buildings played key roles in the location of all plant materials and hardscape improvements. FTLA’s design team incorporated the look and feel of the wooded area adjacent to the campus into the design of the new space, creating a low maintenance landscape plan using native plant materials to blend in with the surrounding environment.

Video

Click here for a 90-second video that offers a closer look at this project’s unique features.