| |
|
FISCHER & ASSOCIATES |
PEAKS TO PLAINS PARK AT MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY-BILLINGS | |
 
|
A 4-acre park on the campus of Montana State University Billings, Peaks to Plains Park is a landscape truly created in the spirit of Montana. In name, concept and details, the park refers to the regional, local and historic landscape. Peaks to Plains park provides a place for the campus and community to gather for ceremonies, celebrations and education. The community's talents will be showcased in the park design and the craftsmanship of the construction. The newly created places will encourage on-going appreciation of the visual, literary and performing arts. The park master plan includes an amphitheater for performances, a space for ceremonies and markets, botanical gardens, opportunities for environmental education, and places for year-round recreation. Designed to link community and student activity, while encouraging gathering and contemplation, this park began Phase One of the Master Plan in the summer of 1999. Phase One included completion of the "Quarry", a small gathering space with a fountain, as well as overall shaping and landscaping of the park with infrastructure provisions for future phases. This garden was designed as a contemplative space where art, literature and nature are appreciated. Masses of perennials, groundcovers and shrubs were designed to provide colorful interest in both the spring and fall when students and faculty are in session. In the "Quarry", Fischer & Associates also applied principles of xeriscape design. We envisioned this high quality garden would conserve natural resources, namely water, without sacrificing the beauty of the garden. Details include artistic remnants in the pavement and literary quotes, submitted by MSU-B faculty, etched in sandstone. The next phases will continue creating a park as a microcosm of Montana land features: tensile, sheltering Peaks over the amphitheater to the west and a Great Plain for events and gatherings to the east. A rock creek drainage will drop from a parking lot rim at the north, through native vegetation and wildflowers, to the sandstone quarry at the south.
|
2001
Montana-Idaho ASLA Honor Award For Design