aces at hallam lake
At Hallam Lake, a new center for experiential learning and nature play comes to life to help ACES’ young explorers connect with hydrologic processes and ecological restoration firsthand. Receiving storm water runoff from the Rio Grande Parking Plaza, captured flows are redirected and filtered through a tiered system that features a meandering stream, cobble beach, and extended stepping-stone ‘fingers’. These designed digits reference naturally-occurring jetties and reach out into the water to bring little ones closer to biological processes. To uphold principles of site sustainability and to reduce construction costs, existing and salvaged materials are re-configured to create a new zone for outdoor interpretive education and community gathering. Over time, nature will reclaim the space just as the restored realm is reclaiming urban runoff.
project type: community, landscape architecture
location: aspen, colorado
client: aspen center for environmental studies