Sara and Sarah's Collaborative Project: 2009

These proposed sketches are simplistic in nature. We have proposed to enhance the space by adding a minimum of elements, to keep the emphasis on nature that the arboretum already provides. We hope that these elements enhance the space by providing a space for visitors to sit and enjoy the space, which will hopefully contribute to the number of users that come to the arboretum.

the first part of our proposed plan is to add decorative mosaic benches to one side of the inlets, with a fire pit in the center. The benches and fire pit will give more of an incentive for students or residents to come to the arboretum and enjoy the scenery. The mosaic benches will be designed and created by a group of interested community members.

The second part of our proposed plan is to add benches in the open area on the opposite inlet. The benches will be wooden and of a rustic style, so that they blend better into the scenery. These benches are meant to provide a place for visitors to sit and enjoy the scenery around them.

We have also proposed to construct a bridge between the two inlets, to better facilitate movement between the two inlets. The bridge can be constructed and and decorated by community members, and will act as something made by the community, for the community.

examples of mosaic benches, though the final design will come from the community.

examples of rustic-style benches.

examples of brick fire pits.

1. Q: What are the visible characteristics of your chosen site?
The arboretum is a sort of natural haven in the middle of two cities, Champaign and Urbana. It is comprised mostly of vast, open fields, punctuated by large, leafy trees and small gardens. In the middle, there is a small, oddly shaped body of water. In the fall, when the leaves begin to change color, the arboretum grass is littered with fallen orange and yellow leaves.

2. Q: Is this site currently used? By whom? How?

The site is owned by the university, but open and free to the public. It is common for runners to jog through and other recreational activities (such as pick up soccer games), or professors to take their classes their as an educational supplement.

3. Q: What defines the site/what are its boundaries?

Our specific site is in the center of the arboretum, on two little grassy inlets around the body of water. Because the inlets jut into the body of water, they are nearly separated from the rest of the land around it, and can be seen as, in a way, two islands. However, there is no real boundary to our site, and very little to separate it from the rest of the arboretum fields. We simply chose an area of the arboretum that is particularly interesting and scenic, and our proposed project will create a sort of separation between our site and the rest of the field.

4. What is the visible/broader context of the site-what surrounds it?

The site is bound on the north, south and west by streets (Florida Ave., Hazelwood Dr. and Lincoln Ave., respectively). On the northeast it is bound by the university president's house, then further south it is bound by Orchard Downs housing, a university residence for students with families. Across Florida Ave. to the north, residential Urbana begins. Across Lincoln Ave. to the west, are campus recreation sporting fields, then the veterinary medicine facilities, followed by the south farms, and eventually more open fields. The further south you move down Lincoln Ave. bordering the arboretum, the fewer buildings there are.

5. A: Is there any visible conflict?

No, there are no visible conflicts.

Off-site Research Questions:
1. Q: What histories or narratives are your team looking into/interested in?

The arboretum is still relatively new, having only been built in the late 1980s/early 1990s. This is particularly interesting to us, because since the arboretum is still young, it is still growing and changing. It is set up as a natural haven for students of the university and residents in the area (students or otherwise). Our project seeks to push the community aspect of the arboretum, and promoting its use widely, to students or residents that may not use the space, or even know of its existance.

2. Q: Is this a history that connects directly to the specific site, or is it more generally related to the area?

Its more generally related to the area. The community potential of the arboretum is something that we really intend to push.

3. Q: What has occurred at the site in the recent and more distant past?

As previously mentioned, the site is only around 20 years old, so relatively recently, it was still being designed and built. The Japan House, on the arboretum site, hosts different events that aim to educate people on Japanese culture- through tea ceremonies, tours, and other special events throughout the year. Occasionally, large scale special events take place in the gardens (such as weddings).

4. Q: Is there any story or conflict set in/near your location that isn’t visible at the site currently?

There doesn't seem to be any sort of visual conflict with the site.

5. Q: Who might have a stake in any changes made to this site (who would benefit or lose)?

The greater community, on campus and off would benefit from our proposed changes to the site. By enhancing the space of the arboretum, its gives visitors more of a reason to sit and enjoy the space- a space which is arguably underused by people in these two cities. The only people who stand to lose because of our proposed changes are those who are opposed to inserting anything unnatural into the arboretum's space.