The North Carolina State University Plant Sciences Building (PSB) will be the main facility for programs and researchers that are part of the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative (PSI). The PSI is based on an interdisciplinary systems approach and the PSB will leverage the state of North Carolina’s and NC State University’s agriculture and biosciences assets, concentrated in a world-class interdisciplinary research complex on Centennial Campus. CLH provided landscape architecture design services for this project as part of the Flad Architects design team.
Our landscape architecture design included a south-facing exterior hearth with a covered “porch” which provides space for casual conversation, reflection, and study. The space is adjacent to the interior hearth, allowing functions to flow from inside to outside. The porch overlooks the multi-functional “commons” which includes a hardscape plaza and an open lawn. The space serves larger events, a display area for rotating outdoor exhibits, and a demonstration area for new crops or emerging technology. The six-foot grade change between the upper hearth area and lower terrace allowed for the use of ramps and steps to create distinct seating and activity spaces. The central ramp provides a universal access path from the southern portion of the site to the main entry on the east. Handrail lighting and strategic step lighting allow for safe pathways in the evening hours.
Mark Herboth Photography
