Landscape Architect Articles

UT Dallas Landscaping Recognized by LA Foundation04-27-18 | Education

UT Dallas Landscaping Recognized by LA Foundation
Total Renovations Completed in 2012

A total of four tree-lined reflection ponds were installed on the campus. These ponds help sequester the heat island effect while simultaneously lessening the amount of impervious pavement on the campus. The pools have two subterranean pump houses and use 3,200 feet of water supply piping and 11,000 feet of drain piping.

The Landscape Architecture Foundation has recently highlighted the environmentally friendly landscaping renovations completed by the University of Texas Dallas. According to their case study, the new landscaping "sequesters 154 tons of CO2 annually" and has "influenced [a] decision to apply/enroll at UT Dallas for 44% of students surveyed."

Since the project's conception back in 2008, UT Dallas has received more than $7 million in donations to aid in the expansion and enhancement of the campus's landscaping. The job took several years to complete and created an estimated 72 jobs between 2010 and 2012.

The new landscape embellishments include a 24,090 square foot central arbor made of fiberglass-reinforced polymer, four reflection ponds, a newly enhanced main entrance and a total of 5,000 new trees.

The central trellis stands 25 feet tall and incorporates Wisteria Vines that grow up the supports to add additional shade. It also has an integrated mister to keep students cool on hot Texan days.

The 1.1-mile main entrance way received a major facelift, as a large amount of transplanted oak trees were brought in to line the roadway. Several woodland bioretention areas were also integrated, which manage storm runoff for up to a "100-year storm event."

Development of the landscape environs was led by landscape architect Peter Walker and his firm, PWP Landscape Architecture, based out of Berkeley, Calif.

A complete, in depth case study can be found on the Landscape Architect Foundation's page HERE.