VARINA LANDLAB
visioning and conceptual designs mOb
fall 2022
lucy bolin erin hayes jessica simon
urban and regional planning, '23 urban and regional planning, '22 interior design, '23 ashley moulton, capital region land conservancy (CRLC) community partner rebecca constanza mentor
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CONTENTS 3 project description 5 process 7 site map 9 vision 11 precedents 15 pavilion 17 signage 19 stickers 21 thank you!
The Varina LandLab is a new 350+ acre public pa Deep Bottom Park in Henrico County. The Cap land, is creating a long term park plan. They nee recreation area and identity for the trail system plants and wildlife. The park will soon be open t dogs, and learn about the history
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ark opening this fall just outside Richmond near pital Region Land Conservancy, who owns the ed assistance creating a cohesive vision for the m with an emphasis on preserving habitats for to all to explore, hike on trails, birdwatch, walk y and nature of the Varina area.
PROCESS
SITE VISIT
Ashley gave us a guided tour of the property, pointing out native wildflowers and stream restoration projects along the way.
PRECEDENT RESEARCH
We communicated with Ashley about signage and pavilions she likes for the project and gathered additional precedents to guide the vision for the future of the LandLab.
LAND MANAGEMENT PLAN
We read the LandLab management plan prepared for the CRLC to gain insight into the plans for the future of the property. Sections on signage design and pavilion design have minimal detail, allowing for imaginative design updates.
CONCEPT SKETCHING
With the precedents in mind, we sketched potential designs into photographs of the environment we took during our site visits.
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SITE MAPS
9200 Deep Bottom Rd, Richmond, VA 23231
This infrastructure map from CRLC Land Management P shows plans for future trails infrastructure, but is not app for display.
This conceptual site map could be updated to include all attractions and trails and displayed at kiosks located at parking areas for park users to navigate the LandLab. Color and symbols should be consistent with stickers used for signage throughout the park.
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m the Plan s and propriate
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CURIOSITY DISCOVERY ADVENTURE
Visitors to the LandLab are curious about their surroundings. Nonprescriptive design allows for self-guided discovery of the grounds and encourages park users to bring their own ideas to be explored.
The LandLab is a creative and scientific hub for researchers and students to explore a new environment while still being easily accessible from the Richmond city center.
Visitors to the LandLab leave the grounds feeling excited, optimistic, and with a new understanding of the importance of conservation. Educational signage and programs in the park allow for learning opportunities and exchange of knowledge between LandLab users.
As part of the effort to repair the riparian buffer on the site, CRLC planted new trees with a grant from the Department of Conservation and Recreation
VISION
PRECEDENTS
PAVILION
RAUSA PAVILION SAINT REMI, REIMS, FRANCE
The Rausa Pavilion project sets the foreground for the preservation and development of the region’s wetland areas through conservation and careful stewardship. The rough, unprocessed nature of the reeds in these bundles brings this installation's vision to life.
This picnic pavilion at the Virginia Quarry Garden has an arch-roof style to complement the Visitors Center's Quonset hut. Here the curves of both structures accentuate the rough and rolling ridges of the Quarry.
Th se c
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SAINT ELIZABETHS EAST GATEWAY PAVILION CONGRESS HEIGHTS,
WASHINGTON, DC
he Saint Elizabeths East Gateway Pavilion was built to connect the leading edges of the site, implement placemaking, and amlessly join the bustling urban arena with a reflective pastoral ampus. Community members and explorers are encouraged to move up and across the accessible overlook, to gain a new perspective of the site and city.
VIRGINIA QUARRY GARDEN PICNIC PAVILION
LINK OUTDOOR BENCH
SORELSTUDIO
Natural materials blend with the surroundings in a modern and aesthetically beautiful way.
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PRECEDENTS SIGNAGE
MENOKIN HOUSE WARSAW, VIRGINIA
Glass reconstruction of the house allows visitors a glimpse into the deterioration of the historic building with minimal impact to the structure. Visitors are given the opportunity to use their imagination to envision the past of the home.
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PAVILION
facilitate research, stimulate discovery, and elevate education
The Pavilion design embodies the stories of the land on which it sits. Dome-like amphitheaters emphasize the importance of group collaboration and sharing knowledge. (top left)
An arrow-shaped pavilion points toward archaeological remains on the grounds and pays homage to the early history of the land. (bottom left)
Curves to accentuate the rolling hills provide an overlook for critters and visitors alike. Rolled broomsedge raises awareness of the importance of wetland preservation. (bottom right)
SIGNAGE
interact with environment, encourage curiosity, reimagine wayfinding
Glass displayed in front of the chimney remains is etched with the outline of what the ferry house may have looked like to allow visitors to imagine what the space used to look like. (top right)
A geometric bench with directional signage on the side can double as a surface to be used while conducting research. (bottom left)
A birdhouse with an arrow on the roof serves as a wayfinding tool while also providing a home for wildlife. Signage is consistent with park use: this arrow could point toward the birdwatching platform. (bottom right)
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STICKERS
Stickers designed with the park's natural resources and colors in mind can be used on existing Carsonite post wayfinding markers (left). Unique and playful designs introduce design continuity between trails, markers, and maps. Icons and colors create identities for different trails, such as the birding trail or the trail to the pavilion.
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THANK YOU
We appreciated being a part of the conceptualization of the new Varina LandLab! We hope to have given you inspiration for CRLC's creative endeavors in the future. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to rethink the typical park signage and pavilion and bringing the Varina LandLab into a creative conversation to set it apart from other