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Rocket Plaza Hardscape U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Davidson Center, Huntsville, Ala.
U.S. Space & Rocket Center opened in 1970. The idea for a space museum and space camp was the idea of Wernher von Braun. The newest addition to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center is the Davidson Center for Space Exploration, which opened January 31, 2008.
The Davidson Center for Space Exploration at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama is a 70,000 square-foot, $22,000,000 facility that celebrates one of the greatest technological achievements of the twentieth century. Traveling in and around the facility tells the story of the Saturn V Rocket and Huntsville, Alabama?EUR??,,????'?????<
From the parking lot to the Galaxy Plaza is wheelchair accessible paving. The Davidson Center Ticket office is at right. The design team was challenged to create adequate drainage for the paved areas.
The Saturn V Plaza is a velvet pillow on which the vertical rocket sits. The role of landscape architects from Gresham, Smith and Partners was to design and create a large assembly area for visiting patrons that introduced and built upon the Saturn V journey into space. The team was challenged to create a design that would adequately drain the paved area. The hardscape design is a galactic paving pattern of red and natural concrete colors in a fiery centrifuge that represents the dynamics of a rocket launch. Orbiting six-ft. wide seat ?EUR??,,????'?????<
The plaza is an always-open public space that honors those who led the U.S. space achievements. Commemorative plaques decorate the free-standing and rising top line wall on two sides. When entering the Saturn V Plaza, two gaps in the perimeter honoree walls serve as gateways, one with steps, the other on grade. At this point, the visitor is drawn into the dynamic paving pattern elements revolving around the original rocket model.
The space has a sense of motion with the spatial layout and use of hardscape elements, finishes and landscape plantings that include Chinese pistache; bald cypress; European fastigiate hornbeam; gray owl juniper; ?EUR??,,????'?????<
Special accent lighting enhances the night effects and experience of the plaza and the rockets on display, whether seen up close or from the I-565 highway. The landscaping is the final touch that makes this large assembly area meaningful, educational and park like for the visitors waiting to enter the Davidson Center.
In addition to landscape architecture, GS&P provided planning, architecture and interior design services for the Davidson Center. The Center?EUR??,,????'?????<
In addition to the 470-foot long display room, the center's design includes an entry hall, a 360-seat theater, information kiosks, offices, a gift shop and vending area. A fully-equipped kitchen enables the building to serve as an event venue for up to 1,400 people.
Design considerations were made for a future tramway that will link the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, the Botanical Gardens and other Huntsville attractions. The overall layout of the facility allows visitors to travel in a continuous motion. Like going to the moon, there?EUR??,,????'?????<
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U.S. Space & Rocket Center
The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is the most comprehensive U.S. manned space flight hardware museums in the world. Facilities include:
The Team
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
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