santa barbara botanic garden master plan

OLIN led a master plan for the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden that establishes a long-range vision for 78 acres of public gardens amongst the Santa Ynez Mountains, overlooking the Channel Islands. At the project’s initiation, OLIN engaged the nonprofit organization in a three-day charrette to gain an understanding of the client’s goals, form leading principles, and gain consensus within the institution. The master plan recommends phased implementation over the next 15 years, culling together information from a cultural landscape report and a recently approved architectural facilities plan. The garden plans to expand spaces for initiatives in propagation, conservation, research and education, and will introduce new visitor spaces and amenities. The plan will also clarify the connection between historic sections of the garden with new garden displays on the east side of Mission Canyon Road, which bisects the site. OLIN’s recommendations address planting zones and typologies, circulation, utilities, stormwater management, and green infrastructure strategies that integrate with pedagogic design opportunities. New garden displays and styles will complement the existing naturalistic site by showcasing dramatic examples of native plant horticulture, all in hopes of inspiring a wider use of native plants within the region.

Location
Santa Barbara, CA

Owner
The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden

Status
Master plan completed 2013

Key Team Members
Lucinda Sanders, Partner-in-Charge
Dennis McGlade, Consulting Partner
Tiffany Beamer, Associate