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PROCESS VISUALIZATION
PROCESS VISUALIZATION
After conducting proper due diligence of the project site, the design process began. With community engagement, the homeless encampment, trail users and students and faculty in-mind, it was time to allocate and prioritize spaces.
In addition, because the project was to be inclusive and robust in it's functions, it was determined in the program that each individual space should be multi-purpose and be flexible and accommodating enough to serve any type of user.
With the obvious topographic challenge at hand, the only viable option was to implement raised platform structures in the sloped areas of the site where the program called for a dedicated space. Rather than designing around the series of steep slopes, they were taken advantage of due to their potential for pristine views of the Monongahela River.
DEFINING SPACES AND FUNCTIONS
DEFINING SPACES AND FUNCTIONS
After conducting proper due diligence of the project site, the programming process began. With community engagement, the homeless encampment, trail users and students and faculty in-mind, it was time to allocate and prioritize spaces and functions.
After an analysis of the existing users and functions, it became clear that there were four main groups that were actively using the site. Students and faculty, community members, trail users and the homeless. Plugging in spaces for student meditation and studying, garden rooms for community members, a resting space for trail users and a series of raised platform decks to serve as sheltering devices for the homeless seemed fitting. The program also designates a platform deck for employers and business professionals to meet with homeless people actively seeking work.
A temporal diagram was created to help measure circulation and activities of the site throughout different times of the year. The intent was to maintain employer-homeless relationships throughout the year in hopes that each of those homeless eventually egresses out of the site in a positive manner by being employed. Students and faculty were a major target user as this is University property, so the program needed a large space allocated for just them. Because the design intent was to provide an all-inclusive public space, the members of the adjacent community needed a space as well.
INSPIRATIONS FROM A "SHARED BACKYARD"
INSPIRATIONS FROM A "SHARED BACKYARD"
South Park Commons is a recently constructed project in the downtown Los Angeles, CA area. The site is a milestone in the city's ongoing downtown revitalization project and perfectly demonstrates the idea of inclusiveness and robustness. The space designed by Rich Studios is a simple green space for both young and old to experience the delight of nature in their own "shared backyard". The space also allows for shared activities and programs such as movies and performances. The various garden rooms are available so users can find respite within the park.
You can find a link to the inspiration for this project here:
A Shared Backyard for Downtown: South Park Commons « Landscape Architecture Platform | Landezine
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