Seattle Center &
Space Needle Campus
Seattle, Washington
Civic Identity
Founding partner Richard Hartlage contributed to the spatial master plan for the five acres immediately surrounding the Space Needle at Seattle Center, creating a framework that balances civic identity with respite in the heart of the city. The plan integrates the “South Top” urban forest, envisioned as a park-like landscape offering shade, comfort, and quiet retreat.
A proposed signature water feature pays homage to the historic fountain built at the base of the Space Needle for the 1962 World’s Fair, reinforcing the site’s cultural legacy while providing a contemporary focal point.
Beyond the immediate campus, Richard also prepared a comprehensive vegetation management plan for the entire 50-acre Seattle Center. This initiative included a full inventory of existing trees, a long-term replacement strategy for aging specimens, design guidelines for future projects, a curated tree species list, and a sustainable maintenance plan. Together, these efforts ensure the preservation and renewal of one of Seattle’s most iconic civic landscapes.
Work completed while at AHBL, Inc.
