Purdue project receives landscape architecture design award

The American Society of Landscape Architects recognized Centennial Mall and Potter Quad as one of the best open green spaces built in Indiana within the past year as it relates to the landscape architectural design. (Photo provided by Administrative Operations Communications) Download image

The American Society of Landscape Architects presented Purdue and Rundell Ernstberger Associates, a partnering landscape architecture firm, with an honor award at its Indiana chapter meeting earlier this fall.

The award recognizes the redesign of Centennial Mall, west of Wilmeth, and Potter Quad, east and southeast of Wilmeth, as one of the best open green space projects built in Indiana within the past year as it relates to the landscape architectural design.

“The design was a collaborative effort among several Purdue and external groups to enhance this space in the heart of campus,” says Michael Gulich, director of campus master planning and sustainability.

The space was reimagined to integrate bicycle and pedestrian paths following the University’s design standards, provide increased bicycle parking, tie in with the aesthetic of surrounding facilities and support the number of people and campus events in the vicinity. Seating and gathering areas were implemented to encourage continued conversation and collaborative learning from nearby classrooms.

“The mall is more connected than it was before and is being well used by our campus community,” Gulich says. ”We are honored to be recognized for the end result.”

Planted materials – shrubs, groundcovers and native and ornamental trees – were carefully selected, and several existing mature trees were incorporated into the design, to provide shade and environmental benefits including the filtering of air pollutants and management of stormwater runoff. These plantings also divide pedestrians from bicycles along the track as a safety component.

The majority of the pavers installed along Centennial Mall are permeable, which allows stormwater to trickle into the soil instead of being piped to the local treatment plant. This method is an important stormwater management strategy that helps reduce the amount of water pollution that could enter the nearby Wabash River.