VANDERBILT PLAZA

How does public space create desireable office environments?

The Vanderbilt Plaza is paved with granite cobbles with a circular design radiating from a seires of five discs containing canopy trees pruned to allow pedestrian views across the plaza, and seasonal groundcover plantings in spring, summer, fall and winter. The arrangement of elements was informed by sun/shade studies and wind analysis showing that street trees adjacent to the development are generally sheltered by high-rise buildings from prevailing winds. The small grove of Honeylocusts was chosen as a feature to counter the striking lack of green in the neighborhood. The planted discs accomodate casual seating and the trees provide a setting at a pleasant civic scale.