The City of Coral Gables has faithfully followed the City Beautiful Movement that was popular during the early 1900s when Coral Gables was founded. The movement promotes green space, ornate plazas, and fountains, among other elements.

Columbus Center Plaza is an example of how city leaders continue to apply these principles in both new development and preservation of the city’s Mediterranean architecture. Landscape architecture firm Architectural Alliance Landscape (AAL) worked closely with city planners to create a public gathering space that honors Coral Gables’ cultural and architectural history. A large classic facet ball fountain is the centerpiece of the plaza. Stone walkways, manicured lawn, and planters featuring palm trees create a formal space.

AAL selected site elements from Landscape Forms that share the character of the plaza. Ashbery area and path lights were a perfect fit for the “Coral Gables vibe − a classic design with a modern twist,” says AAL’s Jaime Mayor. With their clean, space-efficient design, Arcata backless benches and Poe litters worked well within the plaza’s limited circulation space. Contrasting the rectilinear geometry of the plaza, Loop bike racks also complement the fountain’s circular spray pattern. Together, says Mayor, the site elements “share an aesthetic expression and respond to the qualities of Coral Gables.”