Getty Center Central Garden

Working as the primary design consultant and landscape architect, Spurlock assisted artist Robert Irwin in developing his vision for a three-acre garden at the Getty Center. Through the use of scale models, hand-drawings and simulation, we helped illustrate and facilitate the design process between artist, architect and owner. This role provided the opportunity for design development, critical to the landscape experience including the nature of gardens and their relationship to time and maintenance, the perception and visual qualities of plants and flowers, and the use of hardscape, as a frame and vehicle for experiencing the landscape. Our team coordinated the work of 15 sub-consultants and oversaw test concepts and onsite troubleshooting for design elements such as the custom steel walls, lighting, water-feature effects, and material detailing. The result is a landscape which supports the design work of Robert Irwin in creating a place that celebrates the rich garden tradition of strolling and viewing remarkable plants, earth forms and vistas.