Landscape Architect Articles

Firm: The HOK Planning Group09-08-09 | News

The HOK Planning Group

Clients of the HOK Planning Group include developers, institutions, corporations, and government agencies. Projects have been successfully completed throughout the U.S., Central America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and the Far East. These projects have been directed toward the improvement of urban areas and the revitalization of cities and towns, the development and growth of areas located on the urban fringes and beyond, and the conservation and rehabilitation of the world?EUR??,,????'?????<

The art and science of landscape architecture blends wonderfully creative gestures with complex biological systems to establish a sense of place. This firm has participated in some of the world?EUR??,,????'?????<

Chevy Chase Center, Maryland

HOK provided master planning, architecture and landscape architecture services for the expansion and redevelopment of offices, restaurants and high-end retail stores in the Chevy Chase?EUR??,,????'?????<

The project expanded the Center from 98,000 sq. ft. to 412,000 sq. ft. Two public parks and a wide streetscape with specialty lighting and high-quality street furnishings appeal to pedestrians. Adjacent buildings define the space and a large wall of water surrounded by trees and flowers creates an enclosed feeling. Additional plantings complement an existing buffer between the site and an adjoining neighborhood.

The Natural History Museum of the Adirondacks, Tupper Lake, New York

Known as The Wild Center, the project opened on July 4, 2006 with a celebration attended by N.Y. Governor Pataki and Senator Hillary Clinton. The facility provides visitors with an unprecedented way to experience this spectacular natural setting.

The architecture and landscape architecture is inspired and realized through an imaginative integration of dramatic exterior and interior spaces joined with naturalistic, interactive and interpretive exhibits. The visitor?EUR??,,????'?????<

The landscape architectural design uses the site as an extension of the museum experience and provides abundant opportunity to view the variety of ecosystems, flora and fauna that can be found on the site. Like the museum, water is used as a central organizing element. A three acre pond was created not only to provide a stunning backdrop to the building, but to create wetlands that can attract birds, amphibians, small mammals and insects that can be viewed within close range. The pond also manages the majority of the site?EUR??,,????'?????<

Federal Reserve Bank, Minneapolis

The Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is on the banks of the Mississippi River and the 8.61 acre site at the junction of two major street grids. The new complex is a four-story operations center, eight-story office building and accompanying public space. The project gave pedestrian access to the river and downtown, restored a public plaza and integrated the site?EUR??,,????'?????<

The plaza features a 222-foot clock tower and city art map. A public greensward provides five interpretive displays that emphasize the site?EUR??,,????'?????<

HOK provided architectural design, civil engineering, facility programming, interior design, landscape architecture, sustainable design and urban design services.