Project Info
Schmidt Design Group is collaborating with the Miller Hull Partnership and CW Driver on San Diego County’s new state-of-the-art ARCC Branch Building. The site design honors the San Diego landscape. Plant selection was heavily influenced by species’ native to the region and drought-tolerance species with sensitivity to site-specific ecological processes. The street edge along Mission Gorge Road mimic’s the character of the adjacent streetscape with sweeping walkways, street trees, and enhanced landscape planting. The generous setback at Mission Gorge Road introduces a layered native landscape to soften the facility as it fronts the street. A linear detention basin situated between the project building and roadway provides a transition between built and natural forms. Within the parking lot canopy trees and photovoltaic panels provide shade for pedestrians, reduce the heat island effect, and contribute to the net zero sustainable goal.
An outdoor wedding garden is situated on the north side of the facility which includes subtle mounding and vegetation around the perimeter of the event venue to create an intimate venue. The garden contains a signature steel shade structure offering cover for visitors while visually anchoring the space. An informal native trail meanders around the large storm water detention basin in the northern portion of the site.
Awards
- Orchid Award- Architecture, San Diego Architectural Foundation