Located in the Appalachian Mountains just south of Asheville, The North Carolina Arboretum offers acres of cultivated gardens along with an integrated trail system connecting the gardens to the forested mountains they sit within. Studio Outside lead the design team in re-imagining a major entry plaza to the arboretum located just adjacent to their community education center. The heart of the plaza is anchored by a water feature inspired by a poetic interpretation of the geology and water systems of the South Appalachian Mountains. The space is designed thoughtfully to perform flexibly for a wide range of uses: a student/children’s camp drop-off and lunch gathering, a teaching space, an event space for a large gala or wedding, or a quiet place to stop and rest. The design uses regional materials and planting to create a genuine and authentic regional experience.

Client:
North Carolina Arboretum

Renderings:
Studio Schafer