At the time of this senior project design, the plaza at Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa was mostly used as a place to hang out, a pedestrian thoroughfare, and a venue for public events.  This design would provide a more educational and interpretive experience, with an emphasis on the history and culture of the Chumash natives as well as their interactions with the missionaries.  To this effect, there would be statuary scenes, life-size replicas of Chumash structures, interpretive signs, and other themed areas interspersed throughout the plaza. (Rendering created with AutoCAD and Photoshop)

This rendering shows the view from the east (Chorro St.), with an orange tree grove on the left, reminiscent of the original mission orchards.  In the meditative garden on the right is an example of the story of the missionaries' efforts to convert the Chumash, depicted by a statuary scene of priests baptizing a Chumash baby.  (Rendering created with AutoCAD and Photoshop)

Another cutaway from the east, further inside the plaza, shows the climbing wall in the theme of Chumash symbols that have been found in cave paintings.  It would make use of the natural slope going downward and provide fun activities for kids.  The dome of playing bars would be similar to the Chumash 'ap (dwelling structure) shape.  (Rendering created with AutoCAD, Photoshop, and Rhino (for playing bars))