MERIT AWARD

Represents superior accomplishment in the profession of landscape architecture.

TIJUANA LDS TEMPLE

“This project represents a significant achievement in the design and execution of classical design that embraces the Spanish Colonial architecture and vernacular while thoughtfully incorporating xeric principles that beautifully complement the overall design. The jury agreed the spatial orchestration of arrival, gatherings, contemplation and celebration will offer a precedent and add value to other designers for years to come.”

— ASLA Colorado Awards Jury

The 9 acre site is located near a primary freeway

The central plaza frames views to and from the temple. An arbor provides a terminus on the far end of the plaza

Raised planters define the edge of the central courtyard. This separates the spaces while remaining visually connected.

One of four outdoor rooms adjacent to the central courtyard. These rooms provide enclosed seating and connects the ancillary buildings to the courtyard.

A large tiered fountain marks the intersection of the entry and central plaza axes. A large quatrefoil basin anchors the fountain to the plaza.

Seating areas provide views into the plaza and are framed with massings of ornamental plants.

Succulent and xeric beds frame perimeter spaces around the temple

Xeric beds are bound with hedges and infilled with ornamental trees to provide a simple foreground and reduce water use.

PROJECT SUMMARY

Develop a plan that respects and integrates the new temple and ancillary buildings around a courtyard that draws influence from a Mexican hacienda. The architecture borrowed cues from the Spanish Colonial style and the 9 acres of barren land became an oasis in the desert that respected those forms and patterns. The resulting outdoor rooms create opportunities for large groups celebrating weddings and smaller, intimate spaces for individuals to rest and reflect in this religious sanctuary.

PURPOSE OF PROJECT

Once the buildings were sited, the landscape architect laid out the site plan with the temple situated in a prominent location. An axial arrangement was established, organizing the site around four primary axes. Further refinements to the site layout included finding a balance between the entry courtyard, central plaza, pedestrian walkways, fountains and seating areas. These site elements were highlighted and differentiated through the use of plant material, utilizing rows of Date Palms to emphasize, and contain, the spaces vertically. Groups of trees, shrubs, and succulents filled spaces providing a horizontal emphasis and defining edges.Reduction of water use was emphasized by eliminating lawn areas and providing expanses of xeric zones featuring a hedge border with a simple mass of trees as infill. This approach creates a sense of fullness when viewed at eye level. A site hierarchy was established by increasing the attention to detail as one moves closer to the temple.

Colorful succulent beds were located at key points to draw the user to the central courtyards and to highlight key points along the principal axes. An open central plaza highlights the importance of the temple and draws the eye upward. The courtyard is framed on all sides by buildings and structures. These help enhance the sense of place and draw on the form of a traditional Mexican Hacienda. Materials were selected with the architect that reflect the character of the region as well as the final selections for the building itself.

ROLE OF THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

The landscape architect was central to creating the site plan, organizing the building locations, vehicular access, and pedestrian areas. The plazas, courtyards, gathering spaces, walkways and all other site elements were developed to a design development level by the landscape architect. The landscape architect travelled to the site and conducted a precedent study to ensure the character of the city and region were present in the fnal product. Final site paving, site walls and water features were developed by the architect, with peer review by the landscape architect. Final site grading plan was developed by the civil engineer, with peer review by the landscape architect. Final site planting and irrigation plans were developed by the landscape architect, as well as construction services.

PROJECT SIGNIFICANCE

Landscape architect led site design and building organization
Creates a place of refuge for visitors and members alike
Plant palette leans heavily on regional and Mediterranean plant material
Xeric planting areas used to reduce water use, reducing the amount of lawn
Hierarchy of spaces frame views to the temple, organize the site and increases in detail as visitors approach the temple