Upscale Retail Concrete

While indoor malls have been popular for several decades, the developer elected to create outdoor streetscapes, passageways and promenades with two goals in mind: reducing the extravagant energy expense of climate control for large indoor malls and creating a sense of community at street level, befitting a mixed-use project with a significant residential component.

Solution

Simons Properties engaged the award-wining landscape architect, J. Robert (Bob) Anderson, FASLA of Austin. Holding both a B.S. in Park Administration and a Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture, he is noted for his ability to create a multi-layered sense of place that is both cosmopolitan and sympathetic to the regional character of Texas.

The design scheme developed by Anderson was inspired by the pedestrian-friendly plazas and meandering streets of the old world which have evolved slowly, over centuries. Although, this would be a new development, the goal was to create hardscapes and patios that appeared timeworn from the outset by using rich, natural colors and custom amenities.

As the landscape architect Robert Anderson says, "When the places we walk have character, we walk slowly to savor the experience. We pause to enjoy our surroundings. Recreating the welcoming aspect of age and antiquity at street level, such as that found in Europe and Mexico, was our goal for the retail environment where we wanted people to enjoy lingering and relaxing in public places." The pathways were designed to curve gracefully to integrate the large scale trees. Patios and walkways were situated to benefit from shade and be refreshed by micro-climates created by custom-designed water features.

J.Robert Anderson Landscape Architects

The landscape architect specified high performance concrete with two integral colors: Uni-Mix Integral Concrete Colors in Lannon Stone and Harvest Wheat.

The Harvest Wheat was used as the unifying color for approximately 60,000 square feet throughout the project. According to Scott Bauerle, owner of Sco-bar Hardscapes, "The concrete reached a PSI of 4000 because we increased the cement content which also gave us a creamier and smoother texture. For a custom look, the joints were all tooled with a hand-groover, not saw-cut. All the integrally colored concrete was finished with a natural rock salt finish. The concrete was then cured with a water-based curing compound, and sealed with a water-based sealer to protect the surface." The landscape architects required the use of a hand-groover to make the joint pattern prominent, providing visual breaks in long expanses of paving.

Color also is used to direct access to the store entries, and to improve safety. As visitors approach the street crossings, red indicates they are moving off the sidewalks and into the roadway.

"At The Domain, the warm, earth tones create a welcoming environment," according to Mr. Anderson, "color has a psychological impact on us, and it is important to avoid the traditional coldness of grays. The quality in every detail of the tiled benches, the custom fountains and sculpture all contribute to the beauty of the environment which makes visitors want to stay to shop, dine and just enjoy the attractive surroundings."

Results

The Domain became an immediate sensation at its opening with seventy-five upscale stores and nine fine restaurants, surrounded by inviting walkways and gathering places. At The Domain, the warm hues of colored concrete evoke an old world charm which seems appropriate for the custom-made mosaic embellished benches and artistic iron railings reminiscent of the Spanish style.