LANDSCAPE AXIOM OF GEORGE W. BUSH PRESIDENTIAL CENTER BY MICHAEL VAN VALKENBURGH ASSOCIATES. PHOTOS OF BUSH CENTER COURTESY MICHAEL VAN VALKENBURGH ASSOCIATES. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT DIAGRAM BY MICHAEL VAN VALKENBURGH ASSOCIATES.
Opposite page Alternative grass landscapes at the George W. Bush Presidential Center offer economical solutions for low- and medium-use areas and support best-practice storm water strategies. Left and bottom UT Austin and other universities could follow the lead established by the Bush Presidential Center landscape. The 15-acre park employs a blend of native plant species and a storm water management system that emphasizes conservation while creating pleasant places for people to gather.
naturally. An understory of plants could be introduced between the grass and the giant live oaks. Such a mix would result in even lower water and fertilizer use and would attract birds, butterflies, and other species. This approach requires a new, ecological aesthetic. A precedent is provided by the park of the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the Southern Methodist University (SMU) campus in Dallas. Designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates’ Boston office with help from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the park employs Habiturf and other native species. The Bush Center’s park provides a dramatic contrast to the manicured lawns of the rest of the SMU campus. and for other historic, iconic open spaces at UT Austin and elsewhere, probably one of the first three approaches will be preferred. With increased concern about water, however, consideration of native grasses like Habiturf will likely grow. For new open spaces, the third and fourth approaches demand more attention. Beyond design, UT Austin’s management of the South Mall illustrates how shifting maintenance can improve the environmental health of a place. Successful landscape design
For the South Mall
considers factors like turf maintenance. All good design needs to balance several factors, including use, cost, aesthetics, ecology, and maintenance. The drought has illustrated the need for a new ecologically based aesthetic, and native grasses, including Habiturf, have much to contribute to this approach. The creation of a new ecological aesthetic for Texas landscapes presents a challenging and stimulating opportunity for architects and planners. Frederick R. Steiner is dean of The University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture.
5/6 2014
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