Storke Placita Plaza
Santa Barbara, California

This major access corridor between De la Guerra Plaza and Paseo Nuevo/State Street used to be a hangout for pan handlers. By removing the old graffiti covered central fountain, replacing it with a ground level compass for orientation and planting lush but resilient Mediterranean plantings along the edges, the plaza has been reactivated for daily public use and annual festivals such as Old Spanish Days and Cinco De Mayo.

- designed while employed by Van Atta Associates

Photos: Dan Carey
www.dancareyphotography.com