Arts Landing

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Developed as part of a framework of projects with the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, Arts Landing is a masterful urban transformation that converted former surface parking lots into a vibrant, 4-acre public park in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. Serving as a crucial hub for major civic events, the park features an open-air performance stage, an interactive playground, and integrated installations from several local artists. Working under project lead and landscape architect Field Operations, alongside Larson Design Group and Tillotson Design Associates, JBC Landscape Architects provided the vital subsurface design necessary to successfully transition this highly trafficked civic space into a resilient urban sanctuary.

To overcome the complex challenges of existing site contaminants left by years of industrial use, JBC Landscape Architects developed specialized agronomic soil designs and custom amendments to safeguard new trees, plantings, and existing canopy. Additionally, the team engineered high-performance, heavy-use soils specifically tailored to support an event lawn capable of enduring intense foot traffic during major city gatherings. This advanced soil profile works in tandem with a robust irrigation system designed by JBC to sustain the park’s dense vegetative layout.

By balancing rigorous environmental remediation with sophisticated water and soil management, JBC Landscape Architects helped deliver a durable, lush, and culturally rich landmark for the Pittsburgh community.

Collaborators 

• Field Operations – Landscape Architect and Project Lead

• Larson Design Group – Civil Engineers

• Tillotson Design Associates – Lighting