Community gathering spaces are the heart of any city or town, the places where people come together to connect and engage with their community. While the design of these spaces has evolved over time, one element remains timeless: the fireplace. In landscape architecture, fireplaces serve as more than just sources of warmth, but as the center that anchors the spirit of community and provide a sense of comfort. The use of fireplaces is growing in popularity in both urban streetscape and community park design with deep historical roots dating back to ancient civilizations. From the hearths of the ancient Greek to the town squares of colonial America, large fire pits have long been a place where locals gathered for warmth and camaraderie. Over the centuries, the design and function of fireplaces have evolved, but their intentional role in fostering community remains constant.
Today, landscape architects are reimagining the traditional fireplace in innovative ways to enhance community gathering spaces. Instead of the conventional indoor hearth, outdoor fireplaces are taking the center stage and becoming the focal point of parks and urban squares or plazas. These modern interpretations blend functionality with aesthetics, creating inviting environments that beckon people to gather around the flames and enjoy being involved members of their community.
The City of Ludington’s community gathering space, Legacy Plaza, has made its home in the former James Street right-of-way, originally a one-way street heading north from the main intersection of downtown. The plaza is a welcoming space that fosters both economic and community development. Our Landscape Architecture team worked to create a functional third place with a gas fireplace and seating, farmers market pavilion, raised performance stage, green space, native rain gardens, and site furnishings tied together with decorative concrete, lighting, and landscaping.
The City’s Community Development Director Heather Tykoski says, “The plaza has provided a gathering place in our downtown. It has essentially become a “town square area.” We hold a variety of signature events there, including Octoberfest, New Years Eve, Brrrewfest, and our Farmer’s Market. Throughout the summer season, we also have live music every Friday evening.”
When incorporating fireplaces into landscape architecture, several factors come into play. The design must complement the surrounding environment while considering safety and sustainability. Materials such as stone, brick, and steel are often chosen for their durability and ability to withstand the elements. Placement is crucial, with fireplaces strategically positioned to maximize visibility and create intimate gathering areas within larger spaces. Beyond their practical function, fireplaces serve as catalysts for community engagement and provide a natural gathering point where people can build relationships. Whether it’s a neighborhood park or a bustling city square, the presence of a fireplace encourages social interaction and strengthens the fabric of the community.
Tykoski says, “We live in mid-northwestern Michigan, which means, even in the summer, we have cool nights. The fireplace has added a warming area to many of our events, adding warmth and ambience for those shopping, dining, or otherwise traversing downtown on cooler evenings. Our fireplace is unique in that it was custom built to represent part of Ludington’s history. The shape, the words surrounding it, and the material that it’s constructed out of has meaning to the local Native American community. We collaborated with them on many elements in Legacy Plaza. It has become a centerpiece for the plaza that pays homage to our history and recognition of our past while embracing the next development phase of our City.”
As communities evolve and urban landscapes transform, the role of fireplaces in landscape architecture remains as vital as ever. Beyond their practical function, these timeless elements serve as symbolic hearths where people come together to celebrate and connect with one another. By embracing culture and tradition along with innovation, landscape architects can continue to create vibrant community gathering spaces that enrich the lives of residents for generations to come.
Interested in learning more? Give our Landscape Architecture team a call and let us help you ignite your vision to life!
Matt Levandoski, PLA
616-364-8491