Moore Square National Design Competition

Elevated Ground GPMS-2009-0225

CIVIC LAWN

Elevated Ground Moore Square 2012

This proposal for Moore Square builds upon its most unique and significant characteristics, but expands its spatial, experiential and programmatic range by introducing a gentle landform. This design feature energizes and organizes the site into visually and functionally distinct spaces that accommodate a wider range of uses than the square offers today. The square becomes multidimensional, offering prospect, large expanses of open lawn, and places for refuge and recreation. Visiting Moore Square becomes an exploratory journey of unfolding views and diverse opportunities.

The original entry paths are retained to minimize root disturbance and planters removed to deepen views. Existing path materials are recycled in the pavement pattern of an exciting and flexible new plaza that can host both grand and impromptu performances. An adventure playground is embedded in the landform, and the gentle northern slope becomes an amphitheatre, or simply a place to sunbathe and people-watch. Sustainable practices such as collecting stormwater in rain gardens, and enriching habitat in the interpreted natural area ensure this design benefits the ecosystem and establishes a contemplative zone for reading and birdwatching.

In the new Moore Square, people will feel as if they are being pulled inside, and experience a sense of welcome, safety and excitement. It becomes a civic theatre, its edges, lawn and subtle slopes animated and its historic oak perimeter protected and invigorated with a successional planting strategy. Intensified activity throughout the square reveals an iconic destination emblematic of Raleigh’s vitality. Moore Square’s significance as an ethnographic cultural landscape was generated by civic use. Imagining its continued use in the 21st century, by expanding the possibilities for engaging social interaction, honors this historic progression.

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Connection to Long View Center

Connection to Marbles Kids Museum

Civic Plaza

Benches (Typical) H

Farmers Market Setup Area

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Cafe Building with Restrooms, Information Center, and Maintenance Facility

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Sections of Existing Path Layout Preserved to Minimize Root Zone Disturbance (Typical on all Entrances)

New Canopy Tree (Typical)

Outdoor Stage Setup Area

Cafe Seating and Beer Garden on Granular Terrace with Moveable Chairs and Tables

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Central Lawn

Benches (Typical)

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Stormwater Wetland Swale System (Typical)

Stormwater Wetland Swale System (Typical) t e r e t

HERITAGE OAK

Connection to Person Street Neighborhood

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HERITAGE OAK

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Connection to Montague Building, Moore Square Transit Station, and Restaurants

Interpretive Nature Area P e

Preserved and Reinvigorated Oak Perimeter (Typical)

+HP

Preserved and Reinvigorated Perimeter Oak Canopy (Typical)

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Stormwater Wetland Collection Area

Farmers Market Setup Area Granular Terrace with Moveable Chairs and Tables

+LP HERITAGE OAK

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Entry Plaza with Interactive Water Jets for South Facing Children’s Water Play

Sections of Existing Path Layout Preserved to Minimize Root Zone Disturbance (Typical on all Entrances) Security and Emergency Vehicle Access (Typical on Cross Axis)

Public Art/ Acorn Opportunity Adventure Playground with Climbing and Sliding Features Embedded in Landform

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Connection to Raleigh Historic Landmark City Market

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0 5’ 10’ 20’

40’

80’

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