Bridging the natural and built environments is the role of Haskell’s Landscape Architecture team. As an integral part of Haskell’s comprehensive architectural, engineering and construction services, the Landscape Architecture team provides thoughtful, functional and sustainable spaces that serve as an extension to the built environment and make a significant impact on communities and the quality of life.
“Our team listens to each client to become well-acquainted with the project, and then we use the expertise of the architects, engineers and project managers at Haskell to stay engaged and active with the client from start to finish,” said Jennifer Burkhalter, Haskell’s landscape design associate.
Typically, the design manager, chief architect or lead civil engineer brings a project to the Landscape Architecture team, which provides design ideas to the client at certain stages. Strengthening architectural energy and enhancing the surroundings are components vital to the landscape design process. Harnessing a broad range of expertise, skills and resources allows Haskell to deliver exceptional design solutions on time and on budget.
“Our goal is to create spaces filled with potential, purpose and a sense of place,” Burkhalter said. Haskell’s landscape architects use each project’s unique context as the catalyst for designing thoughtful, functional and sustainable spaces.
Functionality was the primary impetus in creating landscape design for the Seawalk Pavilion and Town Center Commons in Jacksonville Beach, Florida. The goal was to provide a unique gathering space that can function as the area town center. Serving as a public park, festival location and concert venue, the space also works to enhance the cultural life of Jacksonville Beach. With sustainability in mind, the Landscape Architecture team incorporated materials durable enough to withstand harsh, oceanfront elements. Their thoughtful design won the team nine local and national awards of excellence.
“Our breathtaking new Seawalk Pavilion and Town Center Commons create a new city center and identity for the City of Jacksonville Beach,” said Bob Marsden, Jacksonville Beach mayor. “The result of these projects has been a resurgence of civic pride and enhancement of the social and economic environment at Jacksonville Beach.
At the forefront of each project is the team’s philosophy of “mindful design” that focuses on how the client will use the space, how the team can design with sustainability in mind, what the aesthetic characteristics of the design are and how the space will deliver satisfaction. The goal is to tie together the work of the architects and the engineers with nature by creating and enabling life between the buildings.
Providing transition between indoor and outdoor spaces was particularly important to The Courtyard at Atherton project in Alhambra, California. Haskell’s Landscape Architecture team was asked to create a master plan to guide long-term strategies for the senior living community. The team sought insight from residents, staff and board members, and created a plan that fosters unity and balance with a variety of form, texture and color that enriches the lives of seniors living at the facility.
“We work to be responsive and regenerative to the environment and to create landscapes that actively contribute to healthy communities,” Burkhalter said. The Landscape Architecture team has designed more than 50 LEED-certified landscape projects, among others. Sustainable landscapes filter carbon, clean the air and water, increase energy efficiency, restore habitats and create value through significant economic, social and environmental benefits.
Haskell was asked to design and build a leading-edge proton cancer therapy center for the Scripps Institute in San Diego, California. The Landscape Architecture team, with insight from residents, staff, board members and prospective residents, designed a healing garden for the center to provide respite for patients, family members and employees.
Team members focused on the natural elements available in the area. Among the sustainable site practices they incorporated were channels designed to concentrate and convey stormwater runoff while removing debris and pollution, known as bioswales.
The Scripps Proton Therapy Center received a Best Projects Award of Merit from Engineering News-Record (ENR) California in 2013. And a National Pyramid Award for Excellence in Construction from the National Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) in 2014.
