rash Courtyard is an area that guests pass through before entering the Clementine Hall itself. We think that it sets the stage. It begins with the landscaped street presence outside of the courtyard walls with glimpses of Clementine beyond, then segues into a hidden garden with the original structure welcoming above.
Before
Since its construction in 1889, what is now Brash Courtyard was the church's lawn. It had changed little over 130 years. Initially there was a low wall next to the sidewalk.
Issues & Plan
The front yard was literally a Greenfield, a blank canvas, which enabled us to design a space from scratch. We wanted to create an urban outdoor space that people innately wanted to be in, that drew them back through the evening. The concept was to create a hidden garden akin to a courtyard ofound by accident in New Orleans, something that was both functional and would surprise and delight visitors.
With this objective, a broad design outline emerged. Privacy required walls. We designed concrete walls for the public facing sides that were board formed in the old, pre-plywood style. The resulting wood grained concrete, together with the black steel walls recesses, landscaping and illumination, softens the wall. On the semi-public side facing Hathorne restaurant, we chose a semi transparent breezeway block that we custom poured in black concrete. Ivy covers this breezeway wall much of the year creating a friendly separation with our neighbor as well as an interesting color contract of bright green and black.
To be truly functional, the courtyard had to be hardscaped. Creating a compelling paved area is challenging, and we designed a decorative layout and scoring of the concrete. We punctured the concrete expanse with integrated concrete tree planters that flank the front entry.
For both visual appeal, privacy and noise reduction, we landscaped both the exterior and interior perimeter of the courtyard and added two fountains. The fountains create ambient noise and at night their illumination provides flickering light on the nearby walls.
The black entry gates incorporate the Venetian Cross that we found in the building's original chandeliers and incorporate throughout Clementine. They also provide a small peek into the courtyard for the passerby.
Music in the courtyard, built-in seating that is under-lit, and beautiful landscape and architectural lighting complete the design.
After
Many events desire outdoor space, but desirable outdoor areas are hard to find in the city (read more on our assessment of the outdoors here). Guests use the courtyard year round for cocktailing, cigar smoking, and all uses for which the outdoors are best. And when the sun dips behind the historic soda fountain building to our west, you'll understand.
