5 X 5 Exhibition

The 5 X 5 Exhibition is a temporary installation comprised of various design concepts expressing contemporary issues in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design. The goal of the exhibit is to help improve outdoor environments at The University of Texas at Austin campus by exploring and experimenting with alternative solutions to the University's vernacular landscape.   The exhibition will take place in twenty-five 5’x5’ raised concrete planters at the Northwestern corner of the Harry Ransom Center (HRC) from Friday, April 24th - May 8th. 

Currently, these planters are neglected as a result of the challenging site conditions including: inadequate sunlight, lack of permanent irrigation, poor soil conditions, and shelter any natural precipitation.  In response, the ASLA Student Chapter hosted a design competition housed within the School of Architecture encouraging students to propose expressive alternatives and sustainable solutions to this challenging site.  Thirty-nine submissions were narrowed down through a jury of faculty members to twenty-five proposals that each received fifty dollars to install each design concept.

Ultimately, the UT Austin ASLA student chapter hopes to work towards a long-term solution for this challenging site.  In the meanwhile, the temporary exhibition will bring attention to this neglected place on campus and help improve the University’s awareness of how Landscape Architecture students in the School of Architecture could become helpful resources in future campus improvement projects.

Cameron Campbell

The University of Texas at Austin ASLA Chapter President