Africana Center Garden

This design transforms the unused sideyard of the African Center at Cornell University into a series of beautiful, accessible, and meaningful gardens, inspired by African geometric textiles.

In the lush enclosed garden of the inner courtyard, intentional plating and integrated seating revitalizes an underused space for study, dining, and relaxation.

The inviting creek-side garden incorporates decorative colored pavers inspired by African textiles. Decomposed granite paths lead the visitor through plantings of native and culturally significant plants, and ultimately to a deck and gazebo overlooking a small waterfall.