151: Botanized Asphalt | DC Alexander Park

In this episode, Cherise is joined by Jeffrey Huber – Principal at Brooks + Scarpa with offices in California and Florida. As a matter of fact, Angie Brooks and Larry Scarpa were previous guests on Detailed. They discuss the DC Alexander Park in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

DC Alexander Park reimagines what a resilient, community-centered beachfront landscape can be. Once a flat expanse of asphalt parking lot along Fort Lauderdale Beach, the 1.2-acre site has been transformed into a living model of ecological restoration and climate adaptation, employing a design called botanized asphalt, where infrastructure and play coexist seamlessly.

Jeffrey Huber, FAIA, ASLA, Principal at Brooks + Scarpa

Jeffrey E. Huber, FAIA, ASLA, NCARB, LEED AP, WEDG is a principal at Brooks + Scarpa, where he leads the firm's South Florida office.

In addition to his practice, he is a Professor at the School of Architecture at Florida Atlantic University.

A distinguished architect and landscape architect, Huber specializes in public realm projects that seamlessly integrate ecological, landscape, urban, and architectural design.

His research, teaching, and professional work have earned over 75 national design awards, including multiple honors from Progressive Architecture, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), the American Architecture Awards, and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA).

His work has been widely published in books and periodicals, including Architect, Residential Architect, The Plan, The Plan Journal, Landscape Architecture Magazine, and Architectural Record.

Project Name and Location: DC Alexander Park in Fort Lauderdale

DC Alexander Park transforms a former beachfront parking lot into a vibrant model of resilient public space along Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Spanning about 1.2 acres (approximately 52,300 sq ft), the project "botanizes" the asphalt site by reinstating coastal dune and tropical maritime hammock ecosystem's strategy that restores ecological health and reduces storm surge impacts.

Vegetated "root dunes" and rubberized play surfaces double as infrastructure, turning landscape into a "boundless" playscape.

A sculptural ramping dune leads visitors to a dramatic 25-foot cantilevered overlook, providing panoramic views and functioning as public art and an essential element of storm resilience - and it is universally accessible.

Around its edge, re-established hammocks act as sponges for rainfall and saltwater flooding while establishing native habitat and shaded passive areas. A coastal plaza to the north calms adjacent traffic and creates a "shade hammock" using native species such as Green Buttonwood, Gumbo Limbo, and Seagrape.

Designed and built as both protective infrastructure and experiential landscape, DC Alexander Park exemplifies how public spaces can combine beauty, ecology, accessibility, and climate preparedness

Project Team List:

Civil and Landscape: KEITH Inc.
Structural and MEP Engineering: RGD Consulting Engineers
Metal Fabrication: EES Design Studio
Contractor/Builder: Shiff Construction + Development

Unique Products:

Cline Doors
Glowstone Aggregates
McNicols Metal
Artistic Pavers

Photo Credit:

Courtesy of Brooks + Scarpa
Mark Herboth

Podcast Production: Gabl Media