Project Description
Category: Landscape Architectural Design: Site Design
Award: MERIT
Project Name: DTCC Courtyard Transformation
Entrant: Sikora Wells Appel
Delaware Technical Community College
The Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC) Courtyard project at the Wilmington campus is a renovation of an existing 10,000 square foot space. DTCC is undergoing several improvement projects to upgrade and expand their facilities to be more efficient, progressive and sustainable. The courtyard is located between three campus buildings with one opening to the adjacent street. The primary needs identified by the client were more seating, spaces for larger groups and smaller groups and to create shade in the courtyard. One of the challenges that the new design needed to address was the difference in elevation between the adjacent roadway and the building entrances. The previous design had dealt with this grade change by incorporating a series of steps and planters bisecting the courtyard. To create a more welcoming atmosphere with a sense of separation from the road the new design utilized a natural stone amphitheater and boulder wall to hold back the grade and provide a larger lower plaza.
The sunken nature of the courtyard created drainage problems. The team paid close attention to the site grading and addressing drainage issues. Landscape areas were used to collect water and direct it to inlets within planting beds. A radial trench drain was used as a design element to separate the mosaic pavers in the central seating area from the larger pavers used to denote the more active area and to complete the circle created by the amphitheater seating. The need for shade in the courtyard was identified from the outset by the stakeholders and the design team. To provide consistent shade from the first day of the new courtyard the team decided to design a custom shade structure. The form developed into an interpretive canopy of a copse of trees. The perforations were studied and tested to allow some light through and to create the effect of dappled light coming through a real tree canopy. The new design also included larger planting beds arranged around the perimeter. The beds were planted with a mix of trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses which as they mature will offer an increased sense of enclosure to users. The predominantly native palette was selected to provide an abundance of color in the spring and summer as well as year round interest and forage for local fauna. Over time the trees in the courtyard will also add to the amount of shade for seating areas.
The final project created a vibrant space that addresses the needs of DTCC. Reimagining the grading in the courtyard allowed for more usable space and the amphitheater seating provides seating for lectures or gathering and manages the grade change in an artful way. The custom shade structure is the focal point and provides a signature element that also provides shade to the seating area. Materials were carefully chosen for their aesthetic character and longevity. The natural stone, powder coated steel, and concrete give the design a sense of permanence and will serve DTCC for many years.
