Sustainability Statistics

LAND

• Provided 14,293 SF of planted area to the available 43,970 SF of site. This was a 33% increase in green surfaces.
• Plants were selected for root stability as an erosion control strategy.
• A predesign site assessment was conducted allowing for the conservation of healthy soils and the amendment of others. This involved the testing of soils pre- and post-construction, multiple soil labs, and verification to meet soil lab specifications.

PLANTING

• 105 trees were planted, including long leafed yellow wood, white crape myrtle, ginkgo trees, chinese pistache, madrone, drake elm, canary island pine and golden rain trees.
• Courtyard planting was chosen with seasonal color change in mind. According to research, this supports the mental clarity and well-being of those with Alzheimer’s.
• Native plant types were used.
• Annual planting was avoided.
• The planting design reflects the foothill landscape of Southern California by adding mounds and native flora.

WATER

• The design reduces outdoor water usage by using low-water-usage plants.
• Vegetated bioswales capture stormwater runoff pollutants along the pedestrian sidewalks.  

CARBON, ENERGY + AIR

• The project uses planting to minimize building energy use and temperatures in urban areas.
• A water feature is introduced to reduce temperatures and to provide a relaxing ambiance for the residents.
• The trees sequester 52,200 pounds of carbon annually, which offsets driving 71,009 miles in an average car.**

ECONOMICS

• The design achieves maintenance savings through the majority use of evergreen material.  

SOCIAL

• The project provides optimum site accessibility, safety, and wayfinding. With 175-units for independent seniors and 24 units for assisted living and memory use, the design provided many little courtyards for intimate usage. Routes were designed for clear access and to be walked around in repetition for exercise.
• The Collective at Playa Vista is part of a greater community, designed to tie into the ecosystem and native habitat. Regional trails and social spaces are easy for pedestrian connections. Located adjacent to Playa Vista Central Park, The Collective offers an added amenity for the residents at Fountainview.
• Users and stakeholders were engaged. Prior to opening the campus residences were 100% reserved.

**120 pounds of CO2 per tree annually (This number is based on an average from the National Tree Benefits Calculator) One car produces an average of 8,320 pounds of CO2 per year. Each vehicle drives an average of 11,318 miles per year. (The Code of Federal Regulations - 40 CFR 600.113)

For the Seniors in the Playa Vista community, the new FountainView Healthy Aging Campus at Gonda Westside offers an upscale wellness-hospitality environment. The landscape design creates a warm and inviting atmosphere for the occupants and visitors, and contributes to their sense of health and wellness.

The campus integrates numerous courtyards, creating a strong connection with nature, the outdoors, and the community. While the courtyards, facing west, feature lush green planting and a water feature, the rooftop features amenities including a pool and wellness pavilion, a large outdoor roof garden and numerous lounging spaces.

Location: Playa Vista, CA

Team: Gensler

Sustainability Statistics