As part of the expansion and renovation of the student recreation complex located along the edge of University Lake, McKnight Landscape Architects was responsible for developing the site amenities for this 20-acre site which included 2 sand volleyball courts, 9 collegiate tennis courts, multiple seating areas, bicycle parking, a multi-purpose sports field, open space for passive recreation, and a lounge deck with shade pavilion surrounding the 8-lane lap pool and lazy river pool.  The site design and planting aimed to complement the first-class architecture, while also considering the students and how they will interact with and enjoy the spaces created.  Termed the ‘green wedges’, pockets of planting are cut into the building along the east and west main entrances, adding more opportunity to view the green space from the interior and visually connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces.  Our scope of services was comprised of outdoor space and circulation planning, as well as planting, irrigation, grading and drainage, pedestrian hardscape, and site lighting layout design. 

Dynamic architecture and landscaping were designed to reflect and incorporate the innovative curriculum at the new school. With deconstructed design concepts the spaces are not only functional but also educational. The landscape incorporates geometric shapes and rough natural materials. The entry plaza is shaped with steel walls cutting through the landscape to create a central fountain plaza. The linear fountain has ascending light beacons to direct students and inspire them to their new future ahead.

The courtyard design highlights and embraces a southern style with traditional brick and warm bluestone paving along with a lush mix of tender perennial and hardy evergreen planting.  A linear solid brick band carries your eye through the length of the courtyard, connecting house to lake.  In the center of the band and the courtyard, an existing brick and iron fountain was kept to highlight a cross axis and create a focal point.  Brick bands encircling the fountain, add detail and subtly introduce the sorority’s symbolism.  Three brick triangles are inlaid in the pavement representing the sorority’s name in the Greek alphabet and pansies, the sorority flower, are seasonally planted in a brick lined planting area opposite the paving.  Seating areas are located throughout the courtyard along the main axis, with brick seat walls and iron patio style furniture. 

The strategic pavement layout around the fountain gracefully moves you through the space rather than along a direct path, causing you to experience all elements of the courtyard instead of just passing through unaware.  The carefully crafted layout not only creates comfortable and intimate spaces for small groups while also providing ample paved areas for the 300 member chapter to host large events.  Since completion, the courtyard has been a favorite destination spot for the residents to study, dine, and entertain. The new courtyard even helped elevate Tri-Delta LSU to one of Town & Country Magazine’s fifteen top sorority houses in the country.

The IBM rooftop terrace is a combination of geometric paving with sweeping mosaics of planting that creates spectacular views and spaces within the courtyard that rival the outward views of the adjacent Mississippi River. The terrace serves the purpose of outdoor event space as well as outdoor living space with areas for dining, gathering, socializing, and working; yet it does so with an intimate garden-like sense that sets it apart from its urban location.

333 Flats is the second phase of a larger residential development by Dantin Bruce. Located just steps away from LSU's campus between Burbank Drive and Highland Road. This infill development offers new upscale housing with a contemporary flare. A private courtyard furnished with modern amenities provides a unique outdoor living experience.

"I had only hoped for a simple path through the woods. Now that it's finished, it's unbelievable."

   Claney Duplechin, Jr. 'Coach Dupe'

Episcopal High School Baton Rogue, LA

The Coach Dupe Trail offers a unique and challenging experience for the school’s cross country team and athletes. The trail begins by bringing runners through a 3-acre wooded area, taking advantage of the demanding terrain, before leading around the sports fields for extra distance and speedy straightaways. An entry plaza serves as a meeting space for classes and groups and also functions as a trailhead with informational signage and dedication plaques. The project was designed for the school, but also with the community in mind, so that all can come together to enjoy the trail. 

St. James Parish Hospital Lutcher, LA

Situated between the administration wing and the newly expanded patient room wing, this outdoor space seeks to serve the needs of every person in the hospital. The narrow, 20’x 110’ courtyard offered unique challenges as well as opportunities. To overcome the ‘corridor’ effect, the walkway meanders through the space and carves out unique rooms. Locally provided artwork and vertical greenscreen panels break up the long linear north wall and provide a backdrop for the views from the patient room windows. An arbor spanning from wall to wall and tree canopy create a ceiling, adding to the room-like feel. The differing elements in each of the rooms, along with the seating arrangements, provide spaces for reflection, inspiration, and social interaction.  

BR Coalition Good Growth Award

Certified LEED-NC Gold

This project consisted of planting and irrigation design for six residential housing buildings, common grounds, and a community center courtyard and greenroof. Bold patterns and colorful plants on the rooftop were chosen to complement the contemporary architecture. Careful attention was paid to the design of the irrigation system in order to minimize water use, and all the plant species were selected in an effort to merge aesthetics and sustainability.

The Prayer Garden at Blackwater United Methodist Church provides a place for people to go outside where they can be quiet, alone with nature, God, and their thoughts. The garden offers a variety of spaces including an intimate area with individual benches along a stone path and a larger social area with seating for outdoor classrooms and fellowship.

This multi-story parking garage and bookstore located in the heart of LSU’s campus had to be carefully situated between historic buildings and mature live oaks at the northwest corner of Highland Road and Raphael Semmes Drive. This project is the first of its kind on campus – a blend of parking structure and LSU’s Spanish influence architecture. Located at the entrance to the bookstore, a large plaza enclosed by a curved seat wall and raised planter offers plenty of outdoor seating for reading and dining. Specialty paving and additional seating areas seamlessly integrate the new building with the adjacent newly renovated Old President’s House building.

The Master Plan focuses on several key concepts, including improved vehicular circulation, security, arrival sequence, and grouping of compatible facilities. Classrooms are organized into educational cores - one for elementary and one for upper classes - that are linked by a common building which serves as cafeteria, event space, and student union for the entire CPS school body. A re-routed main road frees up land that was previously bisected and underused, and sets up a welcoming arrival sequence that clearly identifies the “front door” of the school. This also allows the securing of the back campus, limiting visitors to only entering the school through the administrative area. The new main access road and parking areas provide ample space for before and after school drop-offs and parking for teachers and students during the day as well as evening events.