Simpson College Pedestrian Plaza
Indianola, IA
Client: Simpson College
Project Completion: 2014
Project Role: Jessica Fernandez, Ph.D, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP ND- Business Development, Project Landscape Architect
The Simpson College Pedestrian Plaza project transforms a former vehicular-oriented street into a walkable mall for the Simpson College and City of Indianola, Iowa communities. The plaza, stretching nearly a quarter mile long, features a juxtaposition of solid geometry and swooping, curvilinear paving bands that create both a direction for movement through campus, as well as a series of spaces to relax, hold class, tailgate, or even accommodate a large event. Large gateway features proudly announce entry into the pedestrian mall, and three monumental walls help define the transition from plaza to stadium. A Simpson College Icon adorns the largest plaza space, with sculptural artwork inspired by Joseph W. Walt’s Beneath the Whispering Maples. Other unique site elements include garden walls that light up the plaza at night, an abundance of sustainable plantings, and access to open greenspace that was previously hidden and underused.
*Jessica Fernandez contributed to the Simpson College Pedestrian Plaza while employed by RDG Planning & Design.
Project Completion: 2014
Project Role: Jessica Fernandez, Ph.D, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP ND- Business Development, Project Landscape Architect
The Simpson College Pedestrian Plaza project transforms a former vehicular-oriented street into a walkable mall for the Simpson College and City of Indianola, Iowa communities. The plaza, stretching nearly a quarter mile long, features a juxtaposition of solid geometry and swooping, curvilinear paving bands that create both a direction for movement through campus, as well as a series of spaces to relax, hold class, tailgate, or even accommodate a large event. Large gateway features proudly announce entry into the pedestrian mall, and three monumental walls help define the transition from plaza to stadium. A Simpson College Icon adorns the largest plaza space, with sculptural artwork inspired by Joseph W. Walt’s Beneath the Whispering Maples. Other unique site elements include garden walls that light up the plaza at night, an abundance of sustainable plantings, and access to open greenspace that was previously hidden and underused.
*Jessica Fernandez contributed to the Simpson College Pedestrian Plaza while employed by RDG Planning & Design.