Site and Plaza Information
Throughout the history of The University of Texas at Austin, the Battle Oaks area located on the northwest corner of campus with its majestic oak trees has always been a source of inspiration and renewal for students, faculty, alumni, and campus visitors. As a result of the sense of peace and beauty offered by the area, this site was chosen as the perfect location to honor Ms. Jordan. In addition, this gracefully treed site is located in one of the gateways to campus allowing the area to be highly accessible and appreciated. Members of our University community as well as guests and alumni frequently visit this location. The Battle Oaks area currently has a pedestal in place with sidewalks that converge in the middle, but is lacking a focal point. Ms. Jordan will be that focal point. Please note that the height of the tree limbs at the center of the site is approximately 20 feet.
Plaza Architect
The design of the Barbara Jordan Plaza was created by Larson Burns & Smith and led by Brian J. Larson, the plaza architect. Mr. Larson, ASLA is a landscape architect and founding member of Larson Burns & Smith. Over the past 35 years, he has been involved in the forefront of award winning projects throughout the country. In addition to his full time commitment to the design profession, he was a visiting lecturer at the University of Michigan and an assistant professor at Texas A&M University. Mr. Larson specializes in campus planning and design projects. Several recent projects with The University of Texas at Austin include the Cesar Chavez Statue Plaza, the Darrell Royal and Joe Jamail Statue Plaza, the Umlauf Sculpture Plaza at Red McCombs School of Business, and the Barbara Jordan Statue Plaza.
Photographs courtesy of Matt Valentine
Clicking on any of the pictures opens a new window with information related to the picture.
For a Physical Plant rendition of the site (in PDF format) click here.
(Source: Larson Burns Smith)
The design of Barbara Jordan Plaza will create an inviting space in which to remember and commemorate the life and accomplishments of Barbara Jordan. The statue plaza is located at the intersection of W. 24th and Whitis Streets, adjacent to Hogg Memorial Auditorium and the Union Building. This unique area was chosen for its quiet atmosphere, full canopy oak trees and outstanding visibility. This attractive setting will leave a lasting impression on students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
The plaza is situated off the main walkway, inside an existing circular stone retaining wall. In order to minimize disturbance to existing tree roots, the new paved areas are largely constructed over the existing concrete approach walks and plaza. The statue is oriented toward the street intersection for maximum visibility, as well as taking full advantage of the views from all sides.
The beautiful and richly toned materials selected for the plaza are in character with the surrounding campus. Specifically, the granite chosen for the plaza’s pavement and seat walls match the existing stone used on the base of both Hogg Memorial Auditorium and the Union Building. The result is an overall design that blends with its surroundings and enhances a unified feeling of the campus.
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