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1. The experience enhancement at Dulles Corner encompassed a culmination of softscape, hardscape, aquascape, lighting, irrigation, Wi-Fi and electrical all working together to update the environment in order to create a more marketable campus.
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2. Multiple outdoor rooms were connected by meandering pathways. The aged steel edge was replaced with cobblestone to update the look. Accent plants were strategically located to enhance the Botanical Garden experience that have been a signature of this park for years but was dated. New light poles and fixtures replace globe lights and uplighting of new stone walls and accent plants extends use of outdoor experience. Shade sails were added throughout the park and add a signature and unifying element to the campus.
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BEFORE SHOT. 3. Before photo further illustrates the dated patio, lighting, and site furniture that existed. The goal was to create a current and dynamic look with different outdoor rooms and different experiences. Maintain the strong axis from the lobby to the upper pond. Repair declining edge on pond and add aquatic plants along terraces. Convert benches to tables and chairs for more flexible seating, and add benches throughout park.
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4. Updated pavement creates fresh, clean ground plane. Stone seatwalls define major axial space and is flanked by three outdoor rooms. Seatwalls provide area for watching bean bag toss as illustrated in photo. This was not its original intent, but successful spaces are where people gravitate and make their own. “Chillax” area on left was created with deep seat sofas and chairs. Elevated “arch bar” with bar stools creates great place to relax and work on computer. Wi-Fi added to all courtyards. Stone seatwall was sculpted into berm. Shade sails add shade, creates ceiling, and adds color. The sail fabric is the same material as the umbrellas. The poles were powder coated to match all site furniture. Expanded terrace on water edge to create space for umbrella tables and chairs. Large stone boulders were located along edge of pond to repair declining concrete. Water lilies and other aquatics added to enhance the space.
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5. This outdoor space has become a signature in the park. The refurbished environment creates an atmosphere that engenders a sense of pride and comfort. The arch bar has electric outlets for tenants to plug in computers, etc. Materials, colors, textures and topography reinforce the desired image… visually exquisite while remaining socially inclusive.
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6. Before photo of existing outdoor experience. The space lacked color and was not inviting. We prescribed people magnets like comfortable seating, flexible seating, with moveable tables and chairs, and an outdoor kitchen with bar seating. Enhance lighting so tenants could hold outdoor functions in early evening. The entire terrace was wired for Wi-Fi accessibility.
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7. Granite countertops, stainless Viking refrigerator, gas grill and outdoor sink enrich the outdoor kitchen. Seating options include bar stools, tables with chairs or deep seat sofa and chairs. Shade sails create “ceiling” and color. Poles for shade sails and catenary light structure were powder coated to match site furniture. Green screen planted to screen office from outdoor seating. Longshadow planters were placed at the entrance to courtyard.
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8. Raised planter separates the “Chillax” area from the open terrace. New sofa is now located in the area that was previously where three steps were. We utilized the grade change and created two openings at each end of this space to create a more intimate relaxed space. We converted a “dead” outdoor space into a comfortable “happening” terrace.
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9. Before photo: a green initiative was embraced as part of this enhancement. Reducing imperious coverage was part of the design initiative when updating hardscape converting to LED lighting of pole lights, bollards and the tree uplighting was also an initiative when renovating lighting. Announce the South entry to park to greet visitors with a panorama of color, texture and forms against a backdrop of spectacular and architecture, tree canopy, and sky.
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10. Two narrow steps into the park were replaced with monumental stairs that invites. New pole lights and berms were sculpted to reinforce entry. Stone piers with precast caps enframe each side of stairs. Approximately 20,000 sf of new pavers replaced the dated ground plane. This visually united the park and reinforced the message of quality. Clean crisp lines of flowers, turf and plantings replaced the hardscape around the sign which reinforced the “green initiative” to reduce impervious coverage.
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11. Gazebo is meant to be a beacon that would draw people to its center. New stone piers with pre-cast caps employ details in sophisticated ways. The North entry was enhanced with stone cheek walls that provide seating and the flooring echoes the pristine detailing throughout the campus. Longshadow planters punctuate the entry. New LED fixture we mounted in the stone walls and new lighting was added to downlight gazebo.
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12. Existing shade trees were “Cathedral” pruned to enframe fountain and stone wall seating area at base of lake. LED uplighting at significate trees adds unique ambiance along allee of trees. Pavement was updated. Site benches and litter receptacles were provided. Old bollard lights were replaced with stone piers with pre-cast cap that have side lights to uplight steps. These also provide wonderful seating areas in shade.
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13. Stone columns with Longshadow planter were intentionally scaled larger to punctuate the terminus of the allee of trees. Seating area on both sides have a wonderful view of lower pond and fountain. Stones were place along edge of pond where concrete was failing. Iris and other water edge plantings add visual interest.
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14. Cohesive composition of elements that segued seamlessly to create an outdoor experience that is inviting, comfortable and visually impactful. Pedestrian circulation links a series of dynamic interrelated spaces for the single purpose of enjoyment and relaxation.
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15. The building in the background was going to be vacant and why the marketing team engaged us. We had 4 months to complete this entire campus renovation. All completed while the park was fully utilized. We completed demo on weekends and ran a very safe and clean job throughout to minimize the disturbance to tenants. The true success of a job is defined by 2 things. First: Do people use it? And Second: Did it help lease the space. Building is fully leased and park is vibrant again!