Staff and Board members identified the pedestrian arrival sequence as the priority for evaluation and renewal during the 2023-2024 property-wide Fromme-led Design Assessment. The spaces between the parking lot and Admissions had evolved incrementally over two decades and contained remnants and additions lacking overall coherence and continuity. The Garden had transitioned from a sleepy destination into a major cultural attraction.

Fromme facilitated an intensively participatory process exploring ways to integrate existing and proposed elements and functions into a compellingly beautiful and welcoming experience. The overall intent was to celebrate the Garden’s focus on Sonoran Desert plants, immediately immersing visitors in artful combinations of iconic plants. Key considerations included increasing capacity of paths and spaces to accommodate current and future numbers of visitors; establishing intuitive way finding; providing shade for plants and people; and anticipating climate change.