V C U H O N O R S C O L L E G E

QUICK NOTES

• DESIGNED BY: O’shea Wilson Siteworks (in collaboration with VMDO Architects)

• LOCATION: Richmond, VA

• YEAR DESIGNED: 2012

• 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.

Sources:

• https://www.nytimes.com/2018/03/09/arts/richmond-contemporary-art-institute.html

  ** All photos by author unless otherwise noted.