I C A

QUICK NOTES

DESIGNED BY: Michael Boucher Landscape Architecture (in collaboration with Steven Holl Architects)
LOCATION: Richmond, VA
YEAR DESIGNED: 2017
NOTABLE DESIGN ELEMENTS: Reflective pool and contemporary paving patterns

long story short

ICA - the Institute of Contemporary Arts- is an addition to the Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) distinguished art school. Richmond’s first free-standing institution devoted to contemporary art.

once upon a time

Markel Center on the Virginia Commonwealth University campus

The planting selection throughout the plaza brings about great deal of softness and natural flow to a rather geometric and man-made structure. Whether around the waterfall or along the pathways, the collection of the lily turf, mixture of ornamental grasses, and larger shrubs, including hydrangea, add a powerful element of nature to this otherwise isolated space.

Large steps alongside the waterfall not only act as barrier in case of heavy rain, but also add to the visual interest in terms of contrast to the main element.

Aerial image of the renovated Kanawha Plaza as it sits above the Downtown Expressway, surrounded by major streets, neighboring the Federal Reserve Bank.Image C/O: Bill Dickinson via YouTube (link in Sources) — Aerial image of the renovated Kanawha Plaza as it sits above the Downtown Expressway, surrounded by major streets, neighboring the Federal Reserve Bank.
Image C/O: **Bill Dickinson** via YouTube (link in Sources)

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/09/arts/richmond-contemporary-art-institute.html
** All photos by author unless otherwise noted.