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Woodruff Library
Landscape and Hardscape Development
Woodruff Library Addition (CLAIR)
Concept Statement
Hughes, Good, O'Leary & Ryan, 1995
[Construction on CLAIR began in 1996 and the addition was dedicated on
April 22, 1998. CLAIR links Candler and Woodruff libraries, built in 1926
and 1969, respectively. With the bisection of Baker ravine by CLAIR, the
upstream segment next to Asbury Circle has become known as Asbury Ravine.]
The Baker Ravine at Emory University acts as a link between the built
environment of the campus and the natural environment of the Piedmont.
The ravine's central location and its proximity to the library make it
a focal point of much campus activity. Construction of the Woodruff Library
Addition provides an opportunity to reclaim the ravine from the exotic
plant species that have invaded the area over time and to re-establish
a Piedmont Ravine Forest for study and enjoyment. This restoration will
stand as a model for future development with adjacent natural areas at
Emory University.
Hughes, Good, O'Leary & Ryan's design for the landscape and hardscape
associated with the Woodruff Library Addition is inspired by the native
environment of the Piedmont. Construction of the library addition requires
that the existing creek be piped beneath the new building. In order to
preserve the existing riparian environment, the landscape design maintains
as much free flowing water as possible. To reduce the velocity and erosive
power of storm water, the creek has been configured to move water through
pools and across baffles in the pipe to help dissipate energy. The materials
and formations of the rock and hardscape in the ravine are reminiscent
of natural outcrops and thus serve both functional and aesthetic functions.
The plant palette selected for use in the ravine is representative of
plants that one would expect to find in a Piedmont Ravine Forest. This
plant community includes canopy trees, understory trees, shrubs and herbaceous
plants (outlined on attached sheet).
Care will be taken to locate plants with regard to their micro-climatic
requirements (sun, shade, soil and moisture), as well as their natural
associations with each other.
With the belief that nature is the original source of knowledge and design
inspiration; the ravine's close association with the library (a storage
place of knowledge) provides a logical opportunity to reestablish the
environment that is native to the building's location. Intertwining the
library and the restored natural area will encourage people utilizing
the library for research and study to understand and appreciate the natural
environment and the possibility of its successful coexistence with the
built environment.
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