Functional and attractive landscaping for complex

Press, 10 April 1987, Page 16

Functional and attractive landscaping for complex

By

JENNY MOORE,

landscape architect The purpose of the site plan for the Canterbury Agriculture and Science Centre was to provide a functional and attractive setting for the existing and new buildings. This plan was prepared by the landscape architect who worked in conjunction with the architects and engineering staff for the project. In order to gain a com-

plete understanding of how the new complex would work, extensive discussions were held with staff from D.S.I.R. and M.A.F. The Centre Grounds Committee was established to formalise these discussions and to provide the designer with information on the basic requirements of the site. One of the aims of the over-all development was to bring people from the two scientific organisa-

tions together in one working environment. This was achieved by providing combined facilities. The two-storey joint administration block accommodates the administrative offices for the D.S.I.R. and M.A.F. and forms the focus of the building layout. A complex arrangement of buildings gave the landscape architect an opportunity to create a series of courtyards for the use of

staff and their visitors. ROADING AND PARKING Many conflicting activities take place on the site. Staff and visitor car parking has to be catered for and visitors to the site need a clear idea of where to go when they arrive. Tractors and farm machinery need access to particular buildings as do various delivery behicles. Due- to the size of the campus, it is necessary to

have access roads to specific parts of the site. To avoid conflict between areas for pedestrian use and those for car parking and vehicle servicing, the landscape architect recommended that roads and parking be kept to the perimeter of the building complex. As a result, the central area by the existing Calder Complex and the new blocks is vehicle free. It is to be maintained as a landscaped area of grass and native shrubs, with a footpath leading through the area from either side of the campus. MAIN ENTRANCE The approach road into the centre from Ellesmere Junction Road is dominated at the entrance by two semi-circular retaining walls, displaying the title, Canterbury Agriculture and Science Centre. The name, Keyhole Road, has been adopted because of the plan shape of this road. It is to be used as a one-way system. Visitor car parking is provided by the joint administration block entrance. SITE CHARACTER In order to achieve a landscape character for the centre in keeping with its surroundings, it was necessary to consider the character of both Lincoln College and Lincoln Village.

A theme was established to enclose the whole building development with a belt of cedar and oak trees. These trees are already a significant feature of the college and village. The cedar and oak species have been planted, as a main crop, amongst a “nurse” crop of pine trees.\ Over a period of years, the pines will be removed leaving behind the stands of cedar and oaks that will frame views into and out of the site. COURTYARDS Courtyards have been created from the juxtaposition of new and old buildings. Seating has been provided in all courtyards to give staff a chance to use the areas for either working in or having lunch and coffee breaks. In order to give specific identity to these courtyards, each one has been or will be planted with plants indigenous to a particular country or continental zone. A number of scientists had indicated to the landscape architect their interest in a range of plants from around the world. A planting concept for the whole site was devised.

The cafeteria courtyard has been planted with Japanese vegetation; spring flowering shrubs

and autumn colouring trees which are features of this planting style will provide all year round interest to this popular well-used area. Plants indigenous to South America are planted in the applied genetics courtyard and the area beside the crop research building will be planted with Australian species. Plants from North America, China and the Mediterranean region are also to be represented on the site. Tree fodder crops, nut crops and insect pollinating species are to be planted 'in appropriate areas of the campus convenient' to scientific staff working on research projects. The plant varieties office receives a number of new plants regularly and a reference collection for these is to be established near that office. Itls intended to develop a collection of rare and endangered native plants around the new herbarium extension, by the botany division building. A space for Chatham Islands plants has also been allocated by the herbarium. It is anticipated that the centre will provide an interesting collection of plants and will be available for viewing by the public.