University Common: The Garden Proposal
				BACK | NEXT TOPICS introduction basic concept site analysis project definition garden proposal SUB-TOPICS the prairie intramural fields the gateways the wetlands parking strategies 2nd century oaks development	The Wetlands
					At present the land directly across West Congress from the Cajundome is undeveloped. According to the proposed design a new university research complex would infill the eastern corner of the site, and a hotel and restaurant are planned near the west corner. In the middle of the block, behind and between the research complex and the hotel and restaurant, are a wetlands water garden with a semicircular amphitheater and pavilion. The pavilion provides an outdoor staging area for presentations and meetings or a place for individual reading and contemplation. The wetlands continue north to the edge of Cajundome Boulevard across from Abdalla Hall. Eventually it connects to the existing National Wetlands Research Center water element. The use of water, native vegetation and meandering footpaths help organize and unite the varied building elements within the plan.
					Section cut through the National Wetlands Research Center and the pedestrian paths and a proposed new road to serve the center
					Across Cajundome Boulevard, on axis with the center of the garden pavilion on the east side of the Boulevard, is Presidential Grove, a research park with a defined central court planter with live oaks. The live oaks are a continuation of the century-old tradition establishing these trees as landmarks on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus. The area is bordered on its east and west by parking lots serving the building complex around the court. The plan also calls for a Healing Garden between Presidential Grove and the University Medical Center parking lot. A footpath, starting at the axis on Cajundome Boulevard, runs along the West Congress façade of the research facility, throughout the Healing Garden, across Devalcourt Street and behind Abdalla Hall, to cross Cajundome Boulevard and surround additional new research facilities to the north and south of the National Wetlands Research Center.
					Presidential Grove Quadrangle
					The research complex to the south of the National Wetlands Research Center is organized around a formal central court consisting of rectangular-shaped pools and a circular fountain area at one of its corners. Trees line the paths around the pools. From these paths visitors can observe the koi fish and wetlands vegetation living in these pools. North of the National Wetlands Research Center and Research Park Circle is another research park development with another formal central court and garden. A small water element is also planned between two of the buildings in this complex.
					Proposed wetlands research park
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Document last revised Monday, April 26, 2004 9:17 AM

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