Rounding the Knob
“Rounding the Knob” is a landscape-based sculpture that invites visitors to reflect on the geologic roots of place, and the relationship of humanity to the scale of deep time and our individual impact upon the world.
A group of sculpturally planted mounds, incorporating local stone and inspired by the natural landforms of the Kentucky Knobs, creates a field of moments for contemplating our connections with the earth and future possibilities for what might emerge and grow on these grounds. The design intent is to create a formation that allows for a variety of views from within and outside of the grouping. The space created will allow individuals to find moments of solitude that are punctuated by views and impressions of other people through and around the “knobs.”
Role: Project Lead
Architect: JOW Office
Location: Clermont, KY
Date: 2024
Each mound has an associated seating and planting area that is recessed into the ground by 18” and bounded by dry stacked stone installed in a similar manner to traditional Kentucky stone fences (below). The mounds themselves range in height from 3’-0” to 4’-6” tall and are constructed at a 1:3 slope so that no additional slope reinforcement will be required. The mounds will be partially constructed from soil dug up from site and supplemented by purchased fill.
Dry Stacked Kentucky Stone Fence
Stone flagstone in random sizes between 12”-24” will be laid in an interlocking pattern on top of the created mounds. The pattern created is similar to how a traditional stone pathway is laid (above right). Gaps will be left between the stone to allow for both planned and unplanned plant growth over time. The planting narrative was developed with Davi Schoen Landscape based upon themes related to each stone type (below).
