Between 2000 and 2003, Reliant
Park was created from the grounds and parking
lots of the Astrodomain in Houston, Texas.
Reliant Stadium, home to the NFL Houston
Texans now stands adjacent to the Astrodome,
anchoring the extensive complex of convention
facilities and exhibition buildings. The
landscape architect’s role was to
tie these huge buildings and massive parking
lots together into a cohesive whole. The
landscape architects worked with a team
headed by Hermes Architects and including
numerous engineers and design firms. One
unique feature is the 7 acre overflow parking
lot, designed as a structural grass parking
surface for weekly tailgating before football
games. Use of a structural plastic grid,
imbedded in the soil, enables the soil to
withstand the weight of vehicular traffic
without undue compaction or rutting.
Jim Patterson was principal in charge
for this work while at Knudson & Associates. Images
used by permission. |
