Echoing the idea that science and engineering discovery is collaborative, The Annenberg Center for Information Science and Technology at the California Institute of Technology is a porous building and landscape composition, with ample areas for impromptu gathering. The landscape surrounding the building exhibits a substantial departure from the traditional Pasadena ornamental material.
Palo Verde trees structure the building’s entry plantings, which are organized into a series of planks to echo the adjacent glass facade. The shrub understory heavily focuses on water conservation and is comprised of a variety of succulents and ornamental grasses. Social interaction is a key goal, with decomposed granite seating areas with movable furniture floating among the dynamic planting palettes. The low maintenance landscape is not only focused on water conservation, it also showcases the beauty and diversity of its arid ecology.
