Design

For this, the fourth of five design cycles, a major emphasis was put on the environment and trying to make a unique park space rather than intensive built structures as had been the approach in some of the previous cycles. Our cycle four project was very successful in this manner, and was heavily influenced by the work of Bob Berkible and of Behnisch Architects. In this scheme the Riverfront Heritage Trail, a path found throughout Kansas City’s urban core, is celebrated by transforming it into a bridge which curves over the site. It becomes not only a path but a viewing platform for both the site and surrounding areas. This socially active space allows people to experience all areas of the park even when they are merely passing by. All of the interior programmed space is consolidated into one building. Entrance to the changing rooms is through a translucent screen, allowing for a unique but simple play with light and shadow. An intensive green roof with native grasses and wildflowers covers the structure and the bridge, which begins at the rear of the site, skims over the top. Instead of a kiddie pool, a fill and drain sprayground was designed in the plaza in front of the building recalling the original pool that occupied the site. Spread throughout the lush gardens and native plantings are nodes which shade, collect water, and provide amenities like barbeques and playgrounds.

Nodes are designed to be places for community interaction to take place, much like a porch. Lighting was also carefully considered and placed within the native grasses is a field of long-stemmed low voltage lighting elements that would sway with the wind and glow at night. [Back]