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The J. Paul Getty Center brings together the diverse
programs and collections of the J. Paul Getty Trust
on a 110 acre hilltop site in West Los Angeles. The
construction of the complex presented one of the most
complex landscape design problems today: the installation
of verdant gardens and water features atop structure,
in this case, museum archives housing priceless artworks
and rare manuscripts.
Our experience working on the Getty Center demonstrates
our ability to work closely with a client and architect
to provide for a series of complex programs and client
groups in an artful way. Moreover, with the architect,
the project developed several strategies for accommodating
public visitation without disrupting institutional administration
and operations. For instance, an overhead promenade
allows visitors panoramic views of Los Angeles, the
Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, but strategically
placed planting blocks their views into the private
spaces adjacent to administrative offices.
Finally, the project design reflects Olin Partnership's
commitment to regionalism in the use of native flora
and indigenous style. The tradition of mission cloister
gardens is reflected in the plant palette and materials
of the Center's courtyards. For a series of water elements
in the museum courtyard, the firm conceived of a sculptural
use of rocks collected from California. Several excursions
to the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range located spectacular
boulders, and a full size mock up of the project has
been built in the mountains for approval by the client.
Finally, the native chaparral that surrounds the Getty
Center will be preserved in its natural state. |
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