We’re halfway through World Landscape Architecture Month, and today we hear from Chris Eberhardt, a Landscape Architect who is passionate about sustainable urban design and green infrastructure. In this blog post, we will dive deeper into one of our projects that showcases our commitment to sustainable design. we hear from Chris Eberhardt, PLA. World Landscape Architecture Month is a time to recognize the impact and importance of landscape architecture in creating sustainable and functional outdoor spaces.
Have you ever heard of modular suspended pavements? Often referred to by the proprietary name Silva Cells, these innovative systems help keep soil uncompacted underneath hardscapes in tree lawns and rings, allowing tree roots to grow and spread more easily and to keep from buckling the hardscape above.
The completion date for the University of Notre Dame Stadium Parking Lot Landscape was in the summer of 2018, and since then, it has been a prime example of sustainable urban design. Special considerations were made for this project, including accommodating geothermal well locations for tree placements and verifying that the available soil volume and type were appropriate for the specified plant material. Irrigation plans were also prepared to ensure the continued health and growth of the plants.
Uncompacted soil also provides critical mass for moisture, nutrients, and oxygen exchange for the tree’s roots, and creates a healthy environment for trees even in small paved spaces. Suspended pavement systems can also be used to help manage stormwater more sustainably in urban settings.
The use of modular suspended pavements and green infrastructure has transformed a large parking area into a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space that benefits both the environment and the community. As we continue to celebrate World Landscape Architecture Month, let us remember the importance of prioritizing sustainable design practices in all our outdoor spaces.
Project feature: Notre Dame Stadium Parking Lot Landscape
Modular Suspended Pavements Installation
Chris Eberhardt has experience in both the contractor and design fields, which has helped him develop a problem-solving and detail-oriented approach to his work. He uses his formal design skills and practical knowledge to assist in the design of sites and create design documentation. He is also involved in project coordination with other disciplines. Chris holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Ball State University and is a registered Landscape Architect in Indiana. He is also a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA).
