The document summarizes a landscape design and renovation project for a historic branch library in Berkeley, California. The project aimed to design a landscape that preserved the character of the historic setting while improving accessibility, sustainability, and the experience for users. The final design preserved large existing trees and a children's play area, replaced turfgrass with drought-tolerant plants, and added new entry terraces with permeable paving and seating for gathering.

1. PROJECT: Landscape design and documentation for renovation and expansion
of historic branch library. LEED Silver, Bay-Friendly Landscape certification.
ROLE: Project manager, lead designer, for PGAdesigninc.
SITE: Half-acre roughly triangular “island” surrounded by streets in Berkeley
residential neighborhood.
The challenge on this project was to design a landscape in keeping with the
historic building and setting while providing universal access, improving
sustainability, and enhancing the experience of the site’s wide variety of
users. The final design was a product of work with the consultant team, city
departments, library staff, and project neighbors.
The design preserves the character-defining large trees, a myrtle grove loved
by generations of children, and a park-like open lawn at the north end of the
site. The existing turfgrass is replaced with a more drought-tolerant native
grass species. New front and back entry terraces, with permeable paving,
seat walls, and benches, give library users of all ages places to gather, wait for
buses, talk with friends, or sit and read. Paving patterns, inset tile, and other
decorative elements are derived from library building motifs.
North Berkeley Library
Judy Clark Dale • Landscape Architect • Portfolio

2. north berkeley library
Judy Clark Dale • Landscape Architect • Portfolio