Landscape Architect Articles

Nature-Inspired Oasis at CSU Northridge11-02-16 | Department

Nature-Inspired Oasis at CSU Northridge
By Richard Bienvenu, PLA/ASLA/LEED AP BD+C, LPA, Inc.

At California State University, Northridge, LPA, Inc. worked with student representatives to design the Oasis Wellness Center, which includes a sculpture garden, meditation space, and this integrally colored, cast-in-place concrete labyrinth.
Photos: Costea Photography

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is one of the first colleges in the Cal State University system to incorporate a wellness center that is specifically designed to contribute to student success and retention, and enhance the student life experience.

The design of CSUN's Oasis Wellness Center reflects the symbiotic relationship between mind and body. The existing Student Recreation Center (SRC)"?ualso designed by LPA"?udelivered physical fitness on a bold and large scale. The Oasis sought to complement the recreation center in an intimate and contemplative perspective that would address the American College Health Association's top two health impediments: stress and lack of sleep. The wellness center is to be a "learning laboratory" where students, with supervision by faculty and professional clinical staff, can find respite in spaces that address the student's out of balance health.

The challenge of a remote and shady site on campus became an opportunity by creating the experience of disembarking down to the Oasis. While descending to the facility, one starts to sense the intimate scale of the project, attention to detail and density of lush planting. The contemplative gardens take advantage of the site to create "outdoor rooms" that are private in scale and immersed in nature.

A multidisciplinary team facilitated a holistic approach to the site. The building and under-used landscape were collectively transformed to support the program for the project. Biophilia (the suggestion that there is an instinctive bond between humans and other living things) and an interior/exterior connection inspired the site design. A new freestanding elevator tower and convenience stair now provides universal access to the project and a visual landmark on campus.

The "outdoor rooms" required shading devices due to the site's temperature and exposure. Wooden trellises, fabric umbrellas, building overhangs and tree canopies were selected so that the site could be usable year-round in the sometimes harsh climate of Northridge, Calif. For outdoor lounging, the center provides a sculpture garden, Zen garden, garden rooms, flexible yoga/meditation space and an amphitheater with fireplace to support the services offered at Oasis.

The student lounges and Zen garden highlight the use of crushed rock, sand and decomposed granite. The play of hardscape and planting define the outdoor rooms, while the iconic red elevator tower in the background signals the entry to the wellness center. Furniture and umbrellas provide scale and create outdoor lounges among a tranquil garden setting. The plantings were selected for their color, texture, scent and movement. The irrigation was designed by Sweeney & Associates using Toro drip tubing.

From conception to execution, the undertaking was innovative and the client championed a facility where all were welcomed and the individual's needs were the priority. A respite in nature was the concept at the heart of the program"?ua relief from the stressful demands and hectic schedule the typical student confronts. As such, a group of student representatives sat on both the design and programming committee for the project.

Attention to the quality of landscape materials influenced the planning and construction, as they helped define and reflect the center's mission and foster the feel of the space. Planting was selected to provide color, texture, scent and movement; creating an immersive space for retreat and respite. The use of mature specimen trees had an immediate impact and the tranquil lighting, unique to each space, contributed to the mood and the intimate scale.

Hardscape elements contribute to the overall composition of the project and provide texture, pattern and color while helping to define the outdoor rooms, circulation and wayfinding. Integral colored concrete with exposed aggregate highlights the connection paths between outdoor rooms. Student lounges are defined by fields of exposed aggregate concrete paving with alternating integral colored, "topcast' finished concrete bands. A concrete labyrinth provides for individual ritual and reflection, and was an element requested by students. The use of decorative rock mulches and decomposed granite add to the permeability of the site, provide crunching sounds when walked upon, and create a true garden frame of mind. Cast-in-place integral colored concrete seat walls tie the horizontal flatwork and vertical landscape together.

The Oasis Wellness Center was a unique undertaking that was driven by a focus on the students and the belief that context can impact learning and health. Since opening in August 2015, the impact on students has been overwhelmingly affirmative. The center averages nearly 500 visitors on peak days.

As seen in LASN magazine, October 2016.