It’s all coming together as we look ahead to a Fall 2015 completion! Drywall has been installed up to the 5th floor, as well as kitchen and bathroom cabinets, countertops and tile installed up to the 2nd floor. Windows have been installed up to the 15th floor in the East Tower and up to the 5th floor in the West. Beyond the interior progress, the exterior grounds will soon begin to take shape with landscaping scheduled to begin this month.
We went behind the scenes with landscape architect Tom Moseley of Cliff Lowe Associates to ask him a few questions and learn more about the Mission Bay historic topography that inspired Arden’s unique landscape design.
Q: What inspired you to begin a career in landscape design?
I began as an architecture student but as I learned about landscape architecture it seemed a much better fit for me since I was most interested in urban space, and also was concerned about the environment.
Q: In terms of historical context and regional landscape, describe the design philosophy behind the landscape at Arden:
The landscape design at Arden responds to the Mission Bay context with its angular wooden decks that recall the historic docks along Mission Creek. The sinuous forms of the planting areas and roof-top decks are inspired by the historic topography of Mission Bay prior to development.
Q: What are some of the sustainable features one might find within Arden’s landscape?
The Arden project has many sustainable features, most notably its large green roofs that will capture and filter rainwater. It also uses mostly native and/or drought tolerant plants throughout and uses synthetic turf instead of high water and maintenance-demanding lawn at the fitness area.
Q: Does travel inspire your designs? If so, which places stand out most, and why?
Travel does inspire my designs and I found Rome extremely inspiring because of its seemingly endless series of plazas, fountains, sculptures and monuments, much of it uninterrupted by automobiles.
Q: What are some of the other projects that you’ve worked on in Mission Bay?
We’ve worked on the Madrone project, also with BOSA Development, the adjacent public parks, and the San Francisco Public Safety Building, amongst others.
Q: Do you have favorite materials to use in your designs? If so, what are the current ones you use regularly:
courrgated and perforated metal, recycled glass, corten steel
credit: Arden