Thomas Wirth Associates
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
FIRST UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
LOCATION: INMAN SQUARE, CAMBRIDGE, MA.
SCOPE: ENTRY GARDEN AND GATHERING SPACE
While designing and building the Church entry garden we worked closely with church leaders and members to create a large gathering space (terrace), a sequenced entry and exit experience, a strong street presence - with a suitable level of privacy, space for a daycare day use, and planting for 4 season beauty and horticultural interest. Fence, gate, granite work, and other architectural elements were inspired by the forms of the building (arch geometry) and a desire for simplicity of form. The entry axis was reoriented to align with the church’s central arch stained glass window, taking all diagonally thru the garden. Plants are predominantly native, materials are local, and create a layered shade garden with extraordinary character and variety.