The MAGIC CARPET is a simple intervention: ambiguous enough to be open to interpretation, yet striking, providing a rundown parkette with the feature attraction it lacked.
The proposal is twofold. First, the formulaic trees and benches are replaced with the magic carpet, an undulating field atop a concrete plinth. Rising several feet above the sidewalk level, it challenges visitors to discover the unique vantage point at its apex; simultaneously, it is the stage on which they perform for passers-by.
Second, the concrete bunker walls to the east are lowered and integrated into the overall scheme. The awkward L-shaped planter becomes a ramp connecting the sunken portion to street level, anticipating future businesses opening onto this space.
Ultimately, the park appeals to our imaginations. It could be many things: mountain, picnic ground, garden, playground, meeting-place. It is the magic carpet on which we discover new stories.
(Competitor's text)
With its roller‐coaster central mound this might work as a children's adventure playground but probably not as a parkette, on City property, in this location. Significantly, perhaps, two people are shown in the graphic, fallen on their backs. There is also another character who is diligently watering a tree in a pot - a person whose services may not always be available in reality.
This scheme engages the entire site, with a simple, playful surface that could allow for seating and different types of occupation - with much more development. A strategy like this could be employed with much more subtle topography than as drawn. It would have to be designed to allow for accessibility with at grade access. I think the scheme would be strengthened if it extended as far as possible to the sidewalks on all sides. Rather than planting trees around the perimeter, incorporation of trees in the magic carpet would add another layer of interest and shade. It is still quite a rough proposal - but I think it has potential, given the small scale of the site. I would compare this scheme with Trillium corner, which uses box forms to create a single topography. Both invent a language that could operate as seating and activity space.
Undulating grassy berm nice. Good visual interest but impractical for space and maintenance.
(Excerpt from the jury's comments)
