Unity Church of Bon Air

Project Detail

LOCATION: 923 Buford Road, Richmond, VA 23235
FEATURES: Promenade and Landscape Design

A challenge is just type of project that FORM & FUNCTION thrives on, and this site presented highly unusual design criteria. What is lovingly called “The Promenade” is essentially a long and narrow space between the new church building and the property line. The 200’ x 32’ constraints of the footprint is bordered on one side by the church structure, and on the opposite side by a 6’ high retaining wall and a 6’ high fence. The Promenade is in effect a sort of tunnel that serves as the pedestrian connection from the parking and front of the building to the iconic two-acre mediation garden in the rear.

The Promenade also functions as a multi-use area, changing seasonally. Breaking up the long footprint is a beautiful linear fountain that is located directly across from the gathering hall. A window wall provides year round views from the interior, and outdoor seating increases capacity for weddings and special events. The area also has flexible recesses for casual benches and lush garden containers. These niches can alternately be used for vendor tents during the annual Arts In The Garden.

This challenging outdoor space could have been a problematic eyesore. Instead its design transformed it into the focal point of the entire site and building interior, and a unique, functional, and marketable feature.