A’

TRANSPARENCY

SCHEMATIC DESIGN
• Visualized systems
• Revelation of site conditions
• Man and nature

B
Nolte Commons is a dynamic site. It is a point of community and University
B’ interaction and a node for pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Many systems ex-
ist upon the site; both man-made and natural. Man’s influence upon the land
is quite visible and occasionally hinders natural systems. Natural systems are
piped away underground and become invisible to the user. The multiple uses
for this site, as a parking ramp and a pedestrian thoroughfare, are not clearly
visible simultaneously.

C C’ My metaphor of transparency responds to the cultural, physical, and biologi-

cal conditions which are present in the site by revealing necessary site systems
and the multiple programs on site. I also carefully chose the form vocabulary
to help further my design metaphor. The rectilinear form is clearly man-made
and makes a very clear distinction between what is natural and what is human-
imposed. The site design is about creating a connection between the site users

A and the site conditions.

Laura Fickes
A A’
Native plants
Root Systems havePlants
of Prairie much more extensive root
The fundamental basis for encouraging use of native plant species for improved soil erosion control in streams and

systems than exotic species.

stormwater facilities lies in the fact that native plants have extensive root systems which improve the ability of the soil to
infiltrate water and withstand wet or erosive conditions. Native plant species, like those listed in this Guide, often have greater
biomass below the surface. In this illustration, note the Kentucky Bluegrass shown on the far left, which, when compared to native
grass and forb species, exhibits a shallow root system. Illustration provided by Heidi Natura of the Conservation Research
Institute.

5
 SCHEMATIC DESIGN
Laura Fickes
B B’

GLASS WATERPROOF
SOIL MEMBRANE

C C’