University Boulevard Extension

This project started with the creation of aesthetic concepts for materials and treatments of the two bridges for the roadway. Sites was responsible for the development of initial design concepts to construction documentation of landscape design. The overall concepts were derived from the Mesa del Sol environment and were applied to the landscape design concepts. The bridge aesthetics were inspired by the sun and wind of nearby Tijeras arroyo, and the snakes are a strong design feature that references the wildlife of Mesa del Sol. The landscape is composed of xeric plantings. Grasses are located near the snakes and native shrubs and trees are planted along cobble swales. In addition, water harvesting techniques were used to supplement irrigation from the non-potable water supply. Curb-cuts along the street harvest run-off water into the swales within the medians, taking advantage of elevation changes. Due to the location and extreme elevation changes, the project involved extensive reclamation and erosion control.