ASLA Texas Chapter Merit Award, International

As an entry in an international competition for a series of TV studios, the design for Beijing TV was developed in association with SOM – Chicago in early 2002. Driving the design of the landscape is the notion that it should echo the pristine and elegant forms of the contemporary architecture.

Within the proposed media village, a central garden becomes the centerpiece for the organization of buildings. Here, the design is structured to accommodate multiple functions and users. Gardens are intended for viewing from the ground as well as from rooms above.

The main studio building is designed with a double-skinned glass wall. This creates a 3-meter space that is planted and treated as a garden promenade. This vertical garden allows office workers on multiple levels to feel closer to the outside world.

Along the perimeter of the village, the streetscape is planted with trees that step back in a linear fashion, forming a greenway. Along this streetscape is a series of specialty gardens accessible to the public. The main entry is denoted by a plaza designed to also serve as an informal amphitheater.

Architect: SOM / Renderings: SOM