I-35 Gateway

Studio V
Professor: James Richards, FASLA
Individual Project: Wade A. Miller

Submitted to National ASLA 2007 Professional and Student Awards Competition
Submitted to Texas ASLA 2009 Professional and Student Awards Competition

Objective

Create an appropriate gateway for Texas and the Dallas / Fort Worth area in the I-35 corridor at the I-35E and I-35W split in Denton. The project should be a gateway of heroic scale that builds on the rich, yet distinct, histories of Dallas and Fort Worth and their connection to the State of Texas.

Project Narrative

Site Design

The design of the gateway includes two towers, representing the two cities, united by the classic symbol of Texas – the Lone Star. The scale of the gateway allows it to dominate an otherwise desolate site and to be visible from a great distance away. It leaves no doubt that one has arrived in The Great State of Texas and clearly marks the point of decision where one must choose to progress toward Dallas or Fort Worth. A large limestone wall connects each element of the gateway. Large trees and ornamental trees are arranged in a rhythmic pattern to focus attention on the gateway. The central site is planted in wildflowers to celebrate pioneering work done in Texas on highway beautification projects using native grasses and wildflowers.

The tower for each city is designed to depict a visual history of the city. Major events from the history of each city were chosen for the design, with a focus on the events that had long term effects on how the city evolved. Each tower begins with an image of Trinity River to show the common theme of connectedness, yet uniqueness.

The assignment specified that the design be shown in plan view and perspectives with a strong emphasis on views from a vehicular vantage point. A computer model was created for the site and was used to generate a fly-thru and drive-thru animations. The animations were then combined with images and music in a DVD movie to demonstrate the design intent.