Examples of Material Selection to Create a Variety of Results

Two examples of outdoor amphitheater seating are shown in Figure 8.26. Both amphitheaters were constructed with quarried stone. The seating in Figure 8.26A was constructed with a highly finished stone while for the seating in Figure 8.26B the material was purposefully selected to give a rougher appearance, reflecting a more natural setting.

Wood can be selected in its more-or-less natural form. The information kiosk shown in Figure 8.27 was constructed using tree logs for the support columns. The roof and information panels were made from more processed wood materials as well as river-washed stone for the column bases of the structure.

Figure 8.26 Amphitheaters: A: Poured-in-place concrete, Paseo de Santa Lucia, Monterrey, Mexico, by Enrique Albarroa; B: Quarried rock, Stern Grove Amphitheater using quarried stone, San Francisco, California, by Lawrence Halprin, landscape architect.

Figure 8.27 Information kiosk, Denali National Park, Alaska.

Figure 8.28 Three benches designed for public outdoor use areas. A is a manufactured wood and aluminum product; B are benches made of quarried limestone stone; C is custom-made with quarried stone base, pre-cast concrete pavement detail, and wood seat.

Figure 8.28 provides a comparison of three benches constructed from three different materials. Not only are the designs different but so are the materials used. To some degree, the design or shape of the benches is a reflection of the physical attributes of the materials themselves. The bridge and adjacent elements shown in Figure 8.29 are an example of the design potential of using a variety of materials to create an attractive, functional design. The decking and handrail were fabricated from wood with steel guardrail uprights. The railing abuts a masonry wall faced with native stone. A gravel path made from crushed stone leads to the decking of the wood bridge. The detailing of the stone wall and railing visually blend within the forest context. This excellent example of designing with a light hand is an attempt to be compatible with the forested context.