MERIT AWARD

Represents superior accomplishment in the profession of landscape architecture.

OC TANNER

Alternating bands of concrete and precast pavers lead visitors up a monumental set of stairs to the main entrance.

Intimate spaces flank the entry plaza, clad in a singular site stone material. Roses are used as an accent in reference to the rose garden on the east side of the building.

Water from the upper courtyard pours over custom weirs into a basin to greet users at the main plaza.

The principal plaza axis is bound by site walls on the west end and is punctuated by a water feature where it meets the rose garden in the distance.

A sunken garden space is bordered by a terrace seating and is separated by linear water features that extend outward from the building. A woven rose garden creates a unique accent.

Fingers of water emerge from a site wall in the upper courtyard as bands of paving extend westward on the principal plaza axis.

A patchwork of perennials provide a colorful base complimented by the blue hue of glass.

The rose garden provides a striking foreground element against a major state road.

PROJECT BACKGROUND STATEMENT

SUMMARY

OC Tanner is a global leader, developing strategic employee recognition and reward solutions for organizations worldwide. As appreciation is a core message central to their business model, it was critical that the new landscape around their corporate headquarters conveyed that message to their employees and visitors alike. A collaborative effort between the landscape architect and architect resulted in new vision for the campus. One that ties the landscape to the building and establishes a sequence of exterior spaces. A singular material palette carefully integrates architectural elements and organizes outdoor rooms that tie together historic landscape elements with new.

PURPOSE OF THE PROJECT

As part of the building expansion and exterior façade remodel project, the landscape architect created a dynamic corporate landscape that integrates historic elements and responds to the character of the renovated building. A network of pedestrian paths, plazas and courtyards, water features and gardens establish the tone for this new landscape.

Entry
An open plaza greats visitors and leads them up a wide, monumental stair and into the building. The plaza rises up via a network of terraces and paths that connect the building to the street level. The same stone on the building is used in all of the site walls, reinforcing the connection between the landscape and building. A simple pattern of alternating concrete and paver bands creates a ground plane that unifies all exterior spaces.

Extension of Workplace
All exterior spaces were developed with the employees in mind. A variety of large and small spaces were created to accommodate large company events as well as small team meetings that occur in the landscape throughout the year. A new auditorium was provided as part of the building expansion, an enclosed and elevated courtyard was created as an extension of that space and separated from the main entry plaza.

The Role of Water
OC Tanner has historically donated many fountains in an effort to improve the quality of public space throughout the Salt Lake metropolitan area. Due to this fact, water was used as an accent and focal point throughout the landscape to aid in placemaking and further emphasize the entry plaza and site. The southeast fountain serves as a terminus to the rose garden and plaza axis.

Paths and Connections
Two path types occur on the campus. The primary paths are formed of solid surfaces such as pavers and concrete. A secondary path type is used that creates garden connections. These garden paths are made of concrete panels that are separated by either lawn or groundcover. The spacing of these panels slow users and promote a contemplative experience as users move through the landscape.

Rose Garden
An original element of the campus located along a major state road was enhanced to activate and improve the space. The rose garden has been developed with a color sequence that functions as a color gradient radiating from a central point in the garden. Fragrant and themed perennial beds have been provided in masses to add another level of interest to the rose garden while also attracting butterflies and other insects. Small patio nodes provide areas for respite and seat walls have been added to emphasize and contain each of the elongated rose beds. A large water feature punctuates the terminus of the rose garden axis and the entry plaza axis.

ROLE OF THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

The landscape architect was central to creating the site plan and organizing all site elements. The plazas, courtyards, gathering spaces, water features, walkways and all other site elements were developed by the landscape architect. Site paving patterns, site walls and water features were developed by the landscape architect. Site grading was developed by the landscape architect for all pedestrian and landscape areas. Parking lot grading and drainage was developed by the civil engineer. Site planting and irrigation plans were developed by the landscape architect.

PROJECT’S IMPORTANCE

All exterior spaces were developed with the employees in mind.
As appreciation is a core message central to their business model, it was critical that the new landscape around their corporate headquarters conveyed that message to their employees and visitors alike.
OC Tanner has historically donated many fountains, due to this fact, water was used as an accent and focal point throughout the landscape to aid in placemaking and further emphasize the entry plaza and site.
The landscape architect was central to creating the site plan and organizing all site elements.