Larson Design Group (LDG) designed site improvements around the exterior of Nelson Field House in conjunction with a major remodeling and expansion project for the facility designed by others. LDG’s design included hardscaping, landscaping, lighting improvements, additional spectator parking, and improvements to pedestrian flow with ADA compliant access. The entrances needed to be functional, but also provide a new aesthetic quality that was missing. It was necessary to accommodate both spectators and students into this space.
LDG provided two concepts for these improvements. Color renderings, 3D perspectives, and conceptual layouts provided rough dimensioning and constructability of the space in order for the university to visualize the proposed improvements. Cost estimates were also provided. An evaluation of the existing lighting levels was completed in order to utilize existing lighting, while new lighting approaches were investigated to provide both energy conservation and environmentally-friendly design. Once the final design options were selected by the University, LDG provided bid documents and limited construction administration activities through the completion of this project.
The surrounding landscaping enhances the aesthetics of the existing and renovated entrances. Native plant species were used because they are beneficial to the environment by requiring less maintenance and water.