The clean lines of the Optima designed building and the adjacent Harms Woods Forest Preserve inspired the dynamic landscape design throughout the project. Trees were massed in architectural groves in front of the building and around the formal entrance pool to complement the building and to define the arrival areas. A double row of trees along the entrance road creates a transition to the forest preserve and provides a strong pedestrian scale.

The green roofs that punctuate the three towers have several environmental and aesthetic benefits. The green roofs on this project reduce stormwater runoff by up to 90%, reduce the effects of the urban heat island, reduce pollutants in the air, and increase the environmental efficiency of the building. Aesthetically, the green roofs soften the building’s lines and visually blend the building with the surrounding landscape. Teska Associates has provided Landscape Architectural services for Optima on two other similar condominium projects.