A Prismatic Paradise
Urby is known for expansive rooftops, lush gardens, and other outdoor areas that welcome both residents and the general public. At Dallas Urby, the landscaped courtyard and prismatic pool serve as tranquil getaways for residents. Designed with both functionality and beauty in mind, the year-round outdoor areas encourage residents to gather, relax and live easy.
Bureau Bas Smets, a familiar name from past Urby projects, created the design, theme and landscape for the courtyard and pool area. Bas Smets is an internationally recognized landscape and architecture firm based in Brussels, Belgium with over 50 completed projects in more than 12 countries. Most notably, their competition winning entry to transform Notre Dame’s public outdoor space in Paris, France has been praised on a global stage. Each of Bas Smets’ projects is part of interrelated research into the possible role and ambition of landscape that augments space, merging logic and nature to produce new atmospheres.
This vision by Bas Smets is apparent when walking the outdoor areas of Dallas Urby. The free-flowing garden landscape, lush fountain grass and live oak trees are intentional design elements that bring residents closer to nature. Inspired by organic forms and natural color palettes, a focal point of the courtyard is the prismatic pool. As an ode to mother natures beauty, the pool draws inspiration from the naturally formed Grand Prismatic Spring found in Yellowstone National Park, which is the largest hot spring in the United States and is known for its striking red, orange, yellow, green, and blue coloration.
The organic shapes from the pool extend from the water to the courtyard surface, which creates a distinct yet integrated area for residents to relax poolside on chaise loungers, gather by the firepit, and even cook at the various grilling station available. The unique landscape and pool design can be enjoyed by residents at the ground level, but also visually from apartments and balconies above.
Art Director of Bureau Bas Smets, Eliane Le Roux, helped create a more tactile experience through the placement of poolside furniture. Each piece was hand selected, creating a dreamy yet tangible vibe. Colorful terrazzo tables, Italian woven pouf chairs, and playful pink and vanilla striped umbrellas are sprinkled throughout of this area, giving residents options to unwind in style.
The curated layout of the courtyard and pool also allows for special events to be held regularly. For example, SoFar Sounds, an intimate live concert series and music experience is regularly hosted at Dallas Urby. These events showcase new and upcoming artists and can be attended by both Urby residents and members of the local community. The night vibes and campfire coziness transform the courtyard and pool area into a must attend event that displays the functionality, beauty, and communal feel that this outdoor paradise offers.
