San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardens
This project was done with an integrated team; our team consisted members from architecture, architectural engineering, construction management, and landscape architecture. Our proposal focuses on the Visitors Center, its surrounding landscape, parking, and roadways for the San Luis Obispo Bontanical Gardens. It will take an estimated 4 years and 10 months to complete at an estimated cost of $57,000,000.
Team: Symbiotic Systems, Inc.
Daniel Brisbon
Eileah Monson
Helen To
Kaia Berg
Nina Munj
Site Analysis
The views on the hilltops showcase Morro Rock, Cerro Romauldo, and the coastal range peaks, giving visitors a full panoramic view of the San Luis coast. On the other hand, the proximity of HWY 1 will flood the site with unwanted noise. The uneven levels of the site may pose a concern in regards to access on-site. Water and drainage are also an issue; the extreme contours on-site will drain water into the areas closest to the highway. The creek running through the center of the site may also be a problem.
Site Plan
Currently the only access onto the site is Dairy Creek Road which is too far north to be the main access to the site with the amount of visitors the botanical gardens are anticipating. Therefore, we propose a new off-ramp from HWY 1 for the Botanical Gardens. The off-ramp will lead from HWY 1 up to the Visitors Center then back down to HWY 1. Parking will be located on both the north and south sides of the site with the Visitors Center located between them. The two parking structures we are proposing will allow for 950 parking stalls. A roundabout at the entrance of the Visitors Center allows for large buses and passenger drop-off. The south-side parking will have a bridge over the existing creek, allowing visitors to enjoy the creek without destroying it as they head towards the Visitors Center.
Visitors Center
We see the Visitors Center as the gateway into the botanical gardens that visitors must go through to access the rest of the site. The core of our design, both visually and in organization, is the central entry plaza. The plaza acts as an “outdoor lobby” around which all other spaces are arranged. Due to the many functions required in the program of the Visitors Center, one of the first decisions we made in our design was to separate the Visitors Center into parts based on functions. The three main functions we divided the program into were employee, main visitors center, and attractions and activities.
Final Submittal
Our final submittal for this project.
