Red Tree Parkette
from a park on the side to a place to be
Based on existing qualities of this small public space, this design stresses the beauty of nature in the city. The beautiful red tree will become the focal point of this space. A space that will become a place to stay instead of a widened sidewalk that is obstructed by too many objects.
The parkette turns it's back on the noisy and polluting streets to create a safe and pleasant environment. Opening up the façade of the Kensington Health Centre will increase inside‐outside relations, activity and therefore safety and usability of the parkette. It will become a diverse environment that changes through time.
The South Side of the park has a gradually sloped surface, making the parkette easily accessible. The transition between paving and grass is diffuse, representing the integration of city (paving) and nature (grass).
(Competitor's text)
"Based on existing qualities of this small public space, this design stresses the beauty of nature in the city. The beautiful red tree will become the focal point of a space that will become a place to stay instead of a widened sidewalk that is obstructed by too many objects. The parkette turns it's back on the noisy streets to create a safe and pleasant environment. Opening up the façade of the Kensington Health Centre will increase inside‐outside relations, activity and therefore safety and usability of the parkette. It will become a diverse environment that changes through time. The South Side of the park has a gradually sloped surface, making the parkette easily accessible. The transition between paving and grass is diffuse, representing the integration of city (paving) and nature (grass)."
I liked how they brought the Health Centre into their design. I didn't like the amount of grass and the resultant issues around maintenance.
Nice and open. Good use of hard‐scaping.
(Excerpt from the jury's comments)
