The Reflecting Pool in one of Boston, Massachusetts, most iconic urban landscapes, the Christian Science Plaza, has undergone a major rebuild to reduce its water consumption by almost 70 per cent, as part of the sustainability-minded renovation of the plaza.
Arcadis IBI Group, in the capacity of landscape architect/environmental planner, led this multi-year restoration and repair project for the Christian Science Plaza. Due to the pool’s disrepair, there was an unsustainable loss in potable water each and every year due to leakage from the garage below. The pool was dismantled in order to reduce water consumption and to repair the basin. Reconstruction allowed the design team to rethink the original pool design. This resulted in a new pool concept that provides year-round beauty during the five months when it is empty. The site also has extensive water conservation and management steps.
The reconstructed pool was made deeper to support water management strategies. Its depth decreased from 686 to203 mm (27 to 8.8 in.) This allowed for a reduction of two-thirds in annual water requirements. The Plaza was made more accessible to pedestrians on Huntington Avenue by shortening its length of 213 m (700 ft).
Stormwater management measures will capture more than 52,000,000 L (14,000,000 gal) of rainwater, and reduce municipal water consumption. Heat retention will be reduced by replacing pavement and hardscape material with green space, pervious surfaces and less stormwater runoff.
Consigli Construction Company, Inc. was the main partner in the pool rebuild. Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) was the waterproofing and structural engineer. DEW Inc. was the Reflecting Pool design consultant.
The Christian Science Plaza, which covers 5.46 ha (13.5 acres) and is the largest privately owned, publicly accessible open space in Boston, is associated with a mid century update to The Mother Church (TFCCS) and The First Church of Christ, Scientist (TFCCS).
The post Boston’s iconic Reflecting Pool is given a sustainability rebuild appeared originally on Pool & Spa Marketing.
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