In the past, parking garages were simply unremarkable buildings that were only appreciated for their practicality in providing parking spaces, rather than their aesthetic appeal. However, recently, parking structures have transformed into architectural wonders that not only serve as functional parking spots but also offer beauty and inspiration. Garages and their surrounding landscapes, like the Pitch 314 Garage, have become visually captivating and an engaging component of the community. As a landscape architect, it is exciting to see these spaces transform and knit a community back together.
What is Construction Administration?
By Sara Runge: Not everyone is as lucky as I am. In my career, I’ve gotten to work on a multitude of industrial and commercial projects; some forever stay in the planning phase, some move forward into design, while others go all the way and get built. The built projects are the ones you see driving down the road and you think to yourself or say to your family “I designed that”, or “I worked on that”. I never get to say “I built that”, but the projects that tend to be the most successful are the ones where the designers are involved in Construction Administration, or CA for short.
CA is vital to the outcome of a project, whether it’s a building, a landscape, a park, a trail, a plaza, etc. As designers we know the intricate details of a project, which have been laboriously translated into a set of documents for the contractor to use for construction. If involved during construction in the review of submittals and providing answers to questions that arise, valuable input can be provided to the contractor. Many times issues arise that were unknown during the design process such as an underground utility that needs to be relocated, or unsuitable soils that need to be removed or mitigated. We work as a team with the construction manager, the Owner, and the contractor to provide solutions to problems based on our intimate knowledge of the project from the very beginning. Not all Owners choose to extend CA contracts to their design teams, some choose to provide CA services themselves, utilize the construction manager, or use other professionals such as engineers to provide landscape architecture CA services. However, it is my opinion that the most successful projects have representation from each area of design (civil engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, etc.) providing those services during the construction phase of the project.
4 Hands Brewing Selects DG2 Design
4 Hands Brewery chose DG2 Design to design the site for their second location. DG2 is teaming with Eddy Design Group and Castle Contracting. The brewery is in the process of building out a new pub and taproom at 150 W. Argonne Drive in a 2,550-square-foot historic building. The Brewery chose DG2 to help design the unique outdoor space.
The site is located adjacent to tracks used by Amtrak’s Missouri River Runner train route and will retain the 165-square-foot caboose that serves as a landmark for the property. 4 Hands wants an outdoor space that bring an element of surprise to it’s patrons. DG2 Design and Eddy Design Group are working together to design a space that is flexible and will change throughout the seasons. We’re thrilled to partner with 4Hands and Savoy Properties on this exciting destination in St. Louis!
Outdoor Dining is Brewing
By Kristy DeGuire
Over the past few years, outdoor dining has become a much needed amenity. These spaces with additional areas for socialization, has been one of DG2’s largest growing landscape architecture markets. Most recently, we have teamed with 4 Hands Brewery, Eddy Design Group and Castle Contracting to develop a proposed location in Kirkwood.
This location would give 4 Hands Brewery its second location and provide three-season outdoor dining, gathering, and social areas. These areas will be for all ages and abilities. Current concept plans include a large food and beer garden that connects to the existing caboose and adjacent public space. Ramps connecting the spaces will also provide mini rooms throughout the landscape. While directly connected to a well-known brewery, this proposed outdoor area has the potential to tap into something that could be a destination spot. Brews included.
For further reading, check out the article with more details.
Creative Playgrounds
Getting children to play outside is so important during this time of technology driven minds. Playing outside has positive effects on mind and body and there are numerous articles, reports and studies to prove it. So how do you encourage creative play? Maybe by thinking outside the box.
Playgrounds don’t have to be your traditional plastic jungle gym. Wood, rocks and other outdoor elements can spark just as much energy and play.
Take a look at some that we at DG2 have had in some of our projects. What is your favorite?
Slide on the side of an embankement
Tree climbing
Boulder climbing
Children’s tunnel house
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