Centennial Bell & Tower Plaza
301 North Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL
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The plaza’s design pays homage to Palm Beach County’s native coastal hammock environment. Before designing the plaza, Barbara visited native habitats in MacArthur State Park, researched local native ecosystems and reviewed archival photographs in the Historical Society of Palm Beach County. There she encountered the concept of the “green wall” referring to the difficult to penetrate vegetation that covered this land. The plaza’s landscape and hardscape develop The Green Wall concept into a sculptural environment, which draws on imagery, form, and color from the region’s native plants. The Sabal Palm inspired the shade canopy and bell tower. The pavilion’s luminous green tile is a metaphor for beads of light sifting through the native landscape canopy. The plaza’s trees, shrubs and perennials are native to the coastal hammock habitat.

The plaza’s centennial bell and tower honor Palm Beach County’s centennial celebration (1909-2009). The Cultural Council of Palm Beach County raised private funds for this part of the project. Donor recognition is incorporated into the design.

Photo Credit: Robin Hill
Medium: Powder Coated Aluminum, Glass, Concrete, Brick, Florida Native Plants.
Completed in 2012.