CTC Student Proposes New Exterior Landscape Design for Cartersville-Bartow Chamber of Commerce

 

 

Set slightly off the road in downtown Cartersville, the Cartersville-Bartow Chamber of Commerce is about to celebrate its 125^th anniversary. Having been in the current Main Street location for many years, it may soon get a bit of a facelift thanks to a student from Chattahoochee Technical College.

Students from Chattahoochee Technical College's Horticulture Program at the North Metro Campus visited the Chamber last fall to talk with officials and brainstorm plans for a new landscape design. The students in CTC Instructor John Hatfield's class took their findings back to class and began preparing their own designs. After hours of work and research, Bob Rothman of Marietta won the contest.

 "My main intention in planning the design was to make better use the space in the back of the building for meetings and public events outside," said Rothman of his design. "My other focus was to bring balance to the entire plan and existing structures. The front already had a very balanced feel, but the back did not."

One design element suggested by Rothman was to use space to the left of the building to create a dining terrace or small outdoor meeting area under a metal pergola with climbing vines. To keep balance in the outdoor space, Rothman has suggested a similar scale metal trellis at the right of the building that would frame the brick structure.

Using suggestions from Cartersville-Bartow Chamber of Commerce President Joe Harris, Rothman used international elements from countries that have had a major influence on the Chamber. Focusing specifically on Japan and Germany, Rothman has suggested materials that hint at that connection. For the front entrance to the building, Rothman proposed a trellis that is common in English Gardens."

"German design is based in formal English gardens," explained Rothman. "The design does not scream Germany, but there are certain elements I've used to create that feel. I was also careful to pick plants that would do well in the heat and humidity of Georgia."

The side entrance would have a Japanese feel through the use of stone, lanterns and crushed rock. With more shade than the front of the building, Rothman said ferns and other traditionally Japanese ground covers will be possible.

One feature that wouldn't be going away will be the engraved bricks lining the front walkway to the entrance. The brick pavers, which were previously sold to local businesses and community leaders as a fundraising tool, will be used in combination with concrete around the building plans.

"The plan takes into account the client and its needs," said Hatfield. "Bob's designs are considerate, responsive, realistic and well thought out with those needs in mind. He has created something that will work well within the downtown area and will be a showpiece for existing and prospective industry."

From business management to advanced Landscape design, the Horticulture program at Chattahoochee Technical College offers a solid foundation of knowledge and hands-on experience that easily transitions from the classroom to the workplace. The program is offered at both the degree and diploma levels to prepare students for careers with Landscape design and installation firms, irrigation firms, golf courses, greenhouses, garden centers, nurseries, botanical gardens and government agencies. Students learn to create beautiful and functional landscapes using computer-aided landscape design.  The Horticulture program at Chattahoochee Tech is Professional Landcare Network accredited.