Louisiana State University Hilltop Arboretum

Affiliated with Louisiana State University, the Hilltop Arboretum is located at the convergence of three indigenous ecosystems — boggy wetlands, scrubby highlands, and a meadow. The programmatic components — exhibit areas, meeting space, gift shop, administration offices, and storage — are housed in discrete volumes captured under one long roof that protects the open walkways. Hilltop Arboretum's materials and forms echo the simple vernacular architecture of the Louisiana low country, such as the fishing shacks that dot the area's bayou. Completed in October 2013, The Imogene Newsom Brown Education Facility completes the original design with the addition of a new landscaped courtyard and conference center.