The School & Corporate Campus Issue of Landscape Architect and Specifier News saw many firms submit their projects for feature consideration. Water School at FGCU is one of several great projects we are excited to showcase on LandscapeArchitect.com.

Inspired by nature's instinct to fill gaps with life, light, and energy, Gensler's Washington, DC office renovation transforms a 6,133-square-foot "urban gap" into a harmonious interplay of plants, people, and activities. With a new outdoor terrace and reimagined indoor spaces brimming with lush greenery and communal seating, the design invites moments of relaxation, renewal, and connection-between colleagues, nature, and the city beyond.

By seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor environments, the design dissolves the divide between people and nature, embodying Gensler's dedication to sustainability, collaboration, and innovation. Despite challenges such as a narrow layout, limited sunlight, weight and soil restrictions, urban noise, utility accommodations, and a tight timeline, the project showcases the transformative potential of thoughtful design. The result is a vibrant, dynamic space that cultivates equity, resilience, and well-being, proving that even the most constrained conditions can spark meaningful and positive changes.

 

Sustainability
The terrace design reflects Gensler's commitment to sustainability by minimizing environmental impact and introducing biophilic design strategies. A collaborative design approach enabled the project to surpass AIA standards, achieving a 67% reduction in interior lighting and a 60% reduction in combined indoor and outdoor lighting. Native and adaptive plant species, such as Itea virginica, Polystichum acrostichoides , and Hamamelis x intermedia 'Girard Orange,' were selected to conserve water, support biodiversity, and provide year-round interest while creating educational opportunities. Well-being is a critical part of sustainability. By "bringing the outside in and the inside out," the project creates a naturally calming environment that reduces stress, enhances air quality, and boosts productivity. The indoor green lounge and outdoor terrace
share consistent design elements-such as planter materials, paving modules, and elevation-allowing the spaces to flow and merge effortlessly, and fostering a space that promotes health and well-being for employees and visitors alike. The result is a habitat designed to support both physical and mental well-being, with sustainability at its core.

Collaboration
The outdoor terrace offers flexible seating and two inviting social areas, enveloped
by lush greenery that creates a tranquil, immersive setting for casual and gatherings interactions. Versatile by design, the terrace accommodates recreational activities
like cornhole or darts and seamlessly transitions into an expansive event space when the NanaWall system is opened, merging the indoors and outdoors into one cohesive environment. Indoors, biophilic design takes center stage, with multiple lounge areas- including a central green lounge-offering inviting settings for casual conversations, brainstorming sessions, or quiet relaxation. Together, these thoughtfully designed spaces foster adaptability, well-being, and a strong sense of community.

Innovation
The design integrates several innovative strategies to seamlessly connect indoor
and outdoor landscapes. These include automated irrigation systems with moisture sensors to monitor water needs, plant-based carbon capture technology to purify air, and a special lightweight soil blend to accommodate structural limitations. The flooring features Angelique wood, a high-performing material sourced from water-harvested trees in Panama's flooded valleys, recycling perfectly preserved resources that would otherwise go to waste. To further reduce embodied carbon, the existing roof ballast is reused in place of imported beach pebbles.

The Gensler DC office renovation project showcases the power of innovative, sustainable, and transformative design. By overcoming significant challenges, it redefines urban spaces, seamlessly blending nature with the built environment. Through its focus on sustainability, collaboration and innovation, the project enhances well-being and sets a new standard for resilient and inspiring workplaces.

To see more School & Corporate Campus projects, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/landscape-articles/sneak-preview-of-the-school-and-campus-issue

For more information about submitting a project, go to: https://landscapearchitect.com/research/editorial/editorial-submissions.php