The Native Plant Horticulture Foundation
and FANN have developed a partnership with
faculty in the University of Florida’s College
of Design, Construction and Planning, where
landscape architecture students take a
planting design studio class. As part of the
class syllabus, students compete in a Real
Florida Design Challenge exercise sponsored
by the foundation. They make a site visit,
design an all native plant landscape plan,
consult with FANN members on plant selection
and use, and submit their plan for assessment
by a jury of seasoned professionals. By working
with experienced native plant experts,
students are able to gain practical insights
into native plant use that might otherwise
take many years to achieve. Learn more about
this and other projects at NativePlantHort.org
2020 Award Winner
Michael Hutchinson
Michael moved to Merritt Island, Florida, at
the age of 10, when his parents tired of Chicago’s
winter weather. He always enjoyed
designing and building things, and initially
enrolled in architecture
at the University
of Florida. After a
while, he decided
that designing and
creating very special,
unique experiences
with plants was more
interesting, and he
switched to landscape
architecture. Michael’s design for the
Century Tower, a campus landmark, drew
multiple “wow” comments from our judges,
and demonstrates remarkable sensitivity,
research and attention to detail. The design
incorporates Florida’s iconic native plant
communities to showcase and bring together
biodiversity, and primarily uses
readily available natives. One judge noted
that the “symbolism of the water features
as Florida springs … is simply a work of art.”
Michael will succeed wherever he goes, but
for Florida’s sake, we’d love to see him
influence this state’s landscapes. He graduates
in 2022 with a bachelor’s in landscape
architecture. 5
CENTURY SPRINGS PLAZA
CEREMONIAL ™ CELEBRATORY ™ SOOTHING ™ REMEMBERENCE
Arriving to an oasis of reflecting pools and lush vegetation, the gardens on
the north side of Century Tower recall the serenity of discovering Florida’s
world-renowned springs. Not only do these pools associate with the hydric
plant communities displayed alongside, they remind visitors of Florida’s
dynamic connection to water and its role in shaping the state's landscapes.
This area of the garden is formal, ceremonial and multi-functional. Music
students will now have a space in front of the pools for performances.
Preserving the lawn space to the north of the tower was critical for spectators
of carillon concerts. The lawn, in conjunction with the reflecting pools, can
also host intimate events. As one of the most important structures on campus,
Century Tower should be capable of hosting events so that the university
can show off its most beloved spaces. The intimacy of this space also honors
alumni and students who died in World Wars 1 and 2, for which Century
Tower was built to honor in 1953.
/NativePlantHort.org
