SIMPLE OBSERVATION EXPERIENCE WHEN THE NIGHT COMES TO LIFE WESTERN SCREECH OWLS AT MOEUR PARK
VISION The Western Screech Owl Observatory at Moeur Park is a project created for the use of both humans and Western Screech Owls during the hours of both the day and the night. By revitalizing an area encompassing riparian, bosque, and wash ecologies, and by utilizing a native plant pallet, the Observatory will be a sanctuary for Western Screech Owls in an otherwise dominantly urban environment. The project focuses on contrasting night and day experiences to introduce visitors to the intriguing nocturnal life of the Western Screech Owl and the beautiful desert world that comes to life at night.
GOALS 1. Enhance the natural riparian, bosque, and wash ecologies within the habitat. 2. Emphasize the contrast between natural and urban environments. 3. Create a space that appeals to visitors of all ages. 4. Inspire interest about the Western Screech Owl species. 5. Expand the visitors’ ideas of perception of the site in the day versus the night.
WESTERN SCREECH OWL
CONTEXT Moeur Park is a southern extention of Papago Park, located to the east of Mill Avenue and north of Red Mountain Freeway in Tempe, Arizona.
Small compact owl averaging nine inches tall with bright yellow eyes and grey, brown, or rufus coloring. Sound is extremely important to their existance. Their unique ping-pong-like call is used for communication and mating purposes, and hunting is focused on hearing rather than spotting prey.
Habitat chosen for location by five main trails, and bosque, riparian, and wash ecologies.
Roost in cavities in deciduous trees, specifically the Cottonwood, or in saguaros in a desert environment. They exist in riparian, bosque, and wash ecologies.
THE OBSERVATORY Trail system includes four external resting areas with benches and shade.
Night garden contains native plants that flower only at night.
Slightly winding pathways mimic the mysterious and curious nature of the night. Trails were also influenced by the fascinating vein structure of the owl, which allow them to turn their heads so far without injury.
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Two structures proposed to represent the social monogamus nature -mating for lifeof Western Screech Owls. Northern observatory focuses on learning about the hunting habits of the Western Screech Owl and is angled down over the main hunting habitat.
Exploration garden contains elements of scale and interactive structures that explore how sound works.
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Southern observatory focuses on the nesting and mating habits of the Western Screech Owl and is slightly angled up into the trees.
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scale: 1”=40’
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Smallest arch stands at 12’-0” tall and 1’-6” thick. Height gradually increases down the slope until the tenth arch at 27’-0” tall. Structure mimics the surrounding rock formations in Moeur Park or sound waves, which Western Screech Owls rely on for hunting, mating, and communication. The heavy material has a secure feeling, but separate arches allow for openness and a view of the stars at night.
Structure contains solar powered information boards and night vision telescopes to survey habitat at night.
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PLANT PALETTE Riparian/Bosque Populus fremontii|Fremont’s Cottonwood| Prosopis pubescens|Screwbean Mesquite| Prosopis velutina|Velvet Mesquite| Night Bloom Carnegiea gigantea|Saguaro| Peniocereus greggii |Queen of the Night| Stenocereus thurberi|Organpipe Cactus| Wash Habitat Lycium fremontii|Fremont’s Desert Thorn| Parkinsonia microphylla |Yellow Palo Verde| Salix lasiolepis |Arroyo Willow|
MATERIALS Rusted Steel for the arches of the main structure.
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Decomposed Granite walkways
Rammed Earth benches
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scale: 1”=8’
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Night Garden
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Observatory
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Wash
Night Garden
Observatory
Habitat
Habitat
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scale: 1”=16’
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scale: 1”=8’
LDE 262: Spring 2017 Landscape Architecture Design Fundamentals IV
Student: Katryn Squyres Instructor: Denise Dunlop