The Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library Gardens at the College of Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina

Master Plan and Streetscape

Through the process of building its new Library, the College of Charleston had the opportunity to include in its design a large public park. Exceeding 1.5 acres the new park would become the largest and most important open space developed by the College since the creation of the Cistern 200 years earlier. The concept for the new library park was to create an icon that will reflect the College tradition in space making as well as answer today’s needs of the constant growing student body.

Located in between the new three-story library and existing historic properties, the park design intent was to integrate the new structure in the historic fabric. The garden project became an urban design master plan for the entire city block with new streetscape, restoration of private gardens as well as creation of pedestrian gathering spaces and passages in between existing structures.

The main park has a simple composition along a central axis parallel to the library plan including two lawn areas framed by trees and a central fountain aligned with the library entry doors. Along the perimeter of the lawn area, additional gathering spaces, pathways and screens create places for reflection, meeting and privacy. Movable chairs scattered throughout the park allow for infinitive seating options. A café terrace along the building overlooks a raised lawn and a fountain whose edges can be also used for seating. Raised planters organized on a semi circle and planted with columnar elms and flowerbeds provide a strong separation between the main lawn area and the more intimate graved gardens. The park is closed on both ends by columns and walls and ironwork. Secret gardens and gates allow access to surrounding college historic properties. New furniture, large pots planted with seasonal flowers and new lighting create a constant animation along the streets and within the park.

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