The landscape design for the Experimental Sciences Research Laboratory is based on a series of gathering spaces that work on a variety of levels for a number of users. In all cases, trees and shade were considered as the most important factor. The large gathering spaces include the Sciences Garden and the Seminar Courtyard. These areas are easily accessible by the diagonal sidewalk that links the quadrangle to the new housing complex.

The Sciences Garden is a large rectangular space with decomposed granite gravel flooring. An informal grove of deciduous canopy trees grows out of the gravel providing a natural canopy over the space. Special seat walls made of cut stacked stone help to provide stopping areas for meeting and gathering.

The Seminar Courtyard is designed as an amphitheater garden that is ringed with planting and concrete seat walls. At the garden’s center, the water feature provides sound, interest, and a cooler atmosphere for those who experience the space.

Adjacent to the Seminar Courtyard, a series of sensory garden spaces reflect earth, water, plants, and rock /stone. These gardens are scaled for smaller groups and provide spaces for social interaction and reflection.

A garden space on the east side of the Experimental Sciences Research Laboratory is designed to offer another option for gathering and study. The space is composed of a square stone seat wall and decomposed granite gravel flooring. Canopy trees are planted in this green space with special ornamental trees in and surrounding the court.

Architect: Anshen + Allen