Washington Square Park Programming

Kansas City Design Center | Urban Design Studio 2013-2014

Programming Analysis

Washington Square Park

KCDC Kansas KansasCity CityDesign DesignCenter Center

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Preface | Overview of Studies The primary purpose of the KCDC’s engagement in the programming and design for the Washington Square Park project is to provide continuity with the Comprehensive Vision Study for Green and Civic Space in Downtown KCMO. In order to accomplish this the studio has conducted research and provided analytical studies to gain a more thorough understanding of the park’s redevelopment potential.

Two principle approaches were used to develop an understanding of the park’s programmatic and design potential. The first was a series of case studies evaluating successful urban parks. The second was an amenities inventory of existing Kansas City parks.

The purpose of this research was to determine the programmatic and functional capacity of Washington Square Park and its potential relationship to other parks and civic spaces within the downtown area.

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Contents | Overview of Layout Preface Overview of Studies

Introduction Washington Square Park Prior KCDC Work

Case Studies Introduction Connectivity Programming Reuse Transportation Topography Findings Conclusion

Park Inventory Introduction to Park Inventory Study Parks Findings Conclusion

Analysis Comparison of Studies Recommendations

Washington Square Park | Overview Washington Square Park consists of 4.7-acres of green space, having undergone various transformations since its conception in 1925. Since its implementation, the context of the park has developed, changing user behaviors. The parks’ original purpose has been lost with a disconnection from Union Station, no longer drawing visitors from surrounding businesses, lacking connectivity and walkability.

The park contains inherent ties with its surroundings, and in order to provide a dynamic, user-friendly park it must be considered as an integral piece of the surrounding context. This booklet seeks to understand how to reconnect this under-used urban space, in hopes of activating the park while enhancing the overall urban fabric of Kansas City.

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This diagram shows the current inventory of Washington Square Park.

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Prior Design Proposal | KCDC 2012 Improvements Treatment along northern edge to create a formal vista of downtown Establishment of promenade and major public plaza Functional amenities (bike share hub, casual dining) Promote park use through connection of the major types of transportation Pedestrian linkage to Union Station Additional retail development

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Washington Square Park has potential to establish southern edge of downtown, currently is a major division Extending Washington Square Park across rail lines and capitalizing on the proposed streetcar and Grand Boulevard improvement projects, it will serve as an urban node and reconnect Crown Center to Crossroads and the Loop Proposal comprised of a three phase plan

PHASE ONE

PHASE TWO

PHASE THREE

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Case Studies | Introduction As part of the KCDC’s role in the redesign of Washington Square Park the studio conducted a series of case studies. The purpose was to seek examples of the most successful projects that embody a critical and constructive approach to rethinking the idea of green and civic space while define cutting edge contemporary design practices in the field.

The studio determined suitable case studies based on their relevance to Washington Square Park. Their applicability was based on criteria of having defining topography, connection to existing conditions, accessible transportation, contextual programming, and revitalization of the site. Although the majority of the parks are completed projects, there are also some that are still in conceptual stages.

Each case study defines the scale of the park and the area it serves. The research involved gathering how projects were funded and what kind of financial, political and communal partnership they have embodied. The studio also defined the project cost for comparison reasons. The case studies were then diagrammed to illustrate its most important features. These studies are arranged by their most prominent characteristics of the criteria mentioned above and followed by a summary.

The conclusion provides an overview of amenities per park and the most prevalent amenities from the selected parks. This information should positively influence the programmatic and design development of Washington Square Park.

Connectivity

Contextual Programming

Revitalization

Transportation

Defining Topography

The City, The Arch, The River

Superkilen

The High Line

The Interchange

Grand Park

Floating Plaza Competition Entry

Suzhou Industrial Park

Bryant Park

Dongtan City

Piazza d’Armi

Be’er Sheva footbridge

Central Business District

Pier 6

Magok Central Plaza

Tongva Park + Ken Genser Square

Arganzuela Park

Grand Park

Olympic Sculpture Park

PXSTL Lots

Hudson Yards

Railroad Park

Case Studies | Connectivity The case studies in this category are based on the park’s connection to existing conditions. We found this characteristic applicable because Washington Square Park has the opportunity to connect to downtown, Union Station, and Crown Center.

The City, The Arch, The River Floating Plaza Competition Entry Be’er Sheva footbridge Arganzuela Park

The City. The Arch. The River.| Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc Location: St. Louis, MO Cost: $380 million Funding method: Private funding and grants Size: Over 100 acres Scale: City

Rationale The design proposal was chosen for its similarities in issues with Washington Square Park. The context surrounding The Arch lacks connectivity and this proposal aims to change it through providing park space and solving transportation issues.

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The City. The Arch. The River. | Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates Inc

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Content

Intent

Four subregions have evolved: the West Gateway, the Arch Grounds, the Central Riverfront, and the East Bank Park. The design will combine landscape, programming, transportation, and engineering strategies, public spaces to create stronger connections and sense of place for visitors. 26 acres of park spaces and 25 acres of landscape will be added for improvement.

Currently, the area is segregated from the rest of the city, with major highways separating the downtown from the Arch ground.

The major emphasis is placed on connecting the city, the Arch and the river in a way that enhances all three of them.

Criticism

Assessment

Many people are not convinced the best plan was chosen.

In a recent poll, 30 percent of visitors believed that with a few changes, the MVAA plan will work, 28 percent stated there were a few good elements in the plan but it wasn’t their top choices, and 17 percent said they were disappointed with the winning park design. There are concerns with removing the automobile access from the park at the north and south ends.

Overall, the plan designed by MVVA for St. Louis seems as though it has the potential to be successful. This site has the potential to spur stronger redevelopment efforts in the downtown area. As of Fall 2013, MDOT has began road construction in the surrounding area and the project is on schedule to finish in 2015.

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Floating Plaza Competition | NC-Office Location: SoďŹ a, Bulgaria Cost: Conceptual Funding method : Conceptual Size: Unknown Scale: Local

Rationale This design proposal was chosen for its relevance to Washington Square Park through its connection of the plaza with the surrounding buildings and context. The proposed plan is also an interesting design idea that could provide inspiration when concerning Washington Square Park.

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Parti

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Floating Plaza Competition | NC-Office

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Content

Intent

The floating plane would expose ancient ruins with the floating plane split in two, the larger section as a formal plaza and hill, while the smaller section as an extension of the church. There are three levels present in the proposal: floating plaza, street level, and the archaeological level.

This proposal had the aim to develop the Sveta Nedelya Square and provide a clearly defined plaza in the center of the city of Sofia. The intent of the design proposal was to solve the issues of transportation and communication, functional and spatial, exposure of archaeological heritage, and landscape architecture of the environment.

Criticism

Assessment

The current space called for a proposal to provide a connection to the plaza/space’s context and solves the previously mentioned issues. As it is still in the conceptual stage, the reception is unclear. Whether or not this project would be a successful solution to define the plaza and how the public would react remains to be seen.

The floating plaza would fulfill the need to have a clearly defined plaza in this space, while having the visual aesthetics of the floating plane. It would also help connect with the history of this area by exposing the ruins. This design would help draw people to the space through its three levels.

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Arganzuela Park | Dominique Perrault Location | Madrid, Spain Cost | $140 Million Funding method | CTity & State tax credits Size | fsghfgsh Scale | dhsdfh

Rationale Arganzuela Park was chosen for its unique use of programming to create a playful and interactive environment. The park can be used as inspiration for potential programming in Washington Square Park.

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Railroad park is a re utilization of an old brick yard.

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Pedestrian Movement Recreational Gathering

Parti Pedestrian Movement Recreational Gathering

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Arganzuela Park | Dominique Perrault Just make the images fit how ever. feel free to add or remove images, stretch crop or pull any reasonable way

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Content

Intent

The Arganzuela Park in Madrid is now open for pedestrians and bikers to cross the Manzanares River and access a beautiful new green space below. The Arganzuela Park was created after two embankment roads along the river were removed.

The 23 hectare park and bridge, which were built partially on top of a buried highway, were both inaugurated in April and are quickly becoming a favorite urban destination and prominent new landmark.

Criticism

Assessment

The footbridge was designed to connect the left bank with the right bank of the river. Designed by Dominique Perrault, the bridge features two conical shapes that have been wrapped in interlocking metallic ribbons spiraling around the structure.

Pedestrians and bikers can catch the sights along the footbridge, particularly of the famous Toledo Bridge set against a beautiful view of the famous river.

Footings for the bridge are buried beneath new parkland and visitors can access the new park and trails at various locations, one of which is in the very middle of the bridge.

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Be’er Sheva Footbridge | Bar Orian Architects Location | Be’er Sheva, Israel Cost | $4 million Funding method | Be’er Sheva City Government Size | 180 meters long Scale | City

Rationale The purpose for showing this project is to illustrate the same potential for creating a footbridge over the rails for Washington Square Park.

The site of the bridge is next to Be’er Sheva’s exsisting train depot.

Train and automobile traffic moves below the bridge.

Parti

The bridge spans the long distance utilizing a special double curved arch.

The bridge connects both sides for pedestrians.

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Be’er Sheva Footbridge | Bar Orian Architects

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Content

Intent

It creates a connection between the university and the future HiTech industrial zone. It provides a shaded and ventilated space for the pedestrians.

The purpose of the sky bridge is to create an inviting passage that reconnects the city at a pedestrian level. The sky bridge is necessary since otherwise it would be too dangerous for people to cross.

Criticism

Assessment

Sky bridges have can have the potential to sever visual connections with the rest of the city due to size and construction.

High cost can also play a factor.

The footbridge seems appropriate for its location and serves its surroundings well.

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Case Studies | Contextual Programming The case studies in this category are based on the park’s programming as a response to its context. The programming of park’s in this section are catalytic to their community and often fill in gaps that were previously existing within the city’s amenities. The programming of these parks are also well suited for the site itself.

Superkilen Suzhou Industrial Park Central Business District Grand Park PXSTL Lots Railroad Park

Superkilen Park | BIG, Topotek1, Superex Location: Copenhagen. Denmark Cost: $11 million Funding method: Government Size: 30,000 sq ft Scale: Local

Rationale Superkilen Park was chosen for its unique use of programming to create a playful and interactive environment. The park can be used as inspiration for potential programming in Washington Square Park.

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Green Zone: Sport/Play/Green Park Black Zone: Urban Living Square Red Zone: Market/Culture/Sport

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Superkilen | BIG, Topotek1, Superex Just make the images fit how ever. feel free to add or remove images, stretch crop or pull any reasonable way

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Content

Intent

There are three zones in three different colors and purposes.

The red zone is the market/culture/sport zone, including a range of recreational offers and a large central square for physical activity and games. The black zone is the urban living square with permanent tables, benches, grill facilities, a playground and other outdoor furniture. The green zone is the sport/play/green park with a hockey field, basketball court, soft hills and surfaces, green landscape and a playground.

The intent is to celebrate this diverse neighborhood and showcase different objects from 60 different nationalities to reflect the people living in the surrounding neighborhood.

Criticism

Assessment

The park has been the recipient for various awards: 2013 AIA Honor Award in the Regional and Urban Design Category by the AIA, short-listed for the Design of the Year by the Design Museum in London and the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture.

The finished project has created a dynamic space that offers a wide range of activities while providing connections to the surrounding neighborhood.

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Suzhou Industrial Park Central Business District | SWA Group Location: Suzhou, China Cost: Unknown Funding method: Government Size: Unknown Scale: City

Rationale Suzhou Industrial Park Central Business District was chosen for its variety of different programming as well as its location and intent to connect the old with the new. Its division of programming is intriguing in the way that it is divided by purpose into separated rings that face toward Lake Jinji.

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Garden Urban Forest

Parti

Cultural Water

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Suzhou Industrial Park Central Business District | SWA Group

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Content

Intent

Each of the five rings represents a purpose/theme. The Garden Ring has pools, outdoor bars, workout areas, and an ornamental garden. The Urban Ring has vertical gardens that provide visual aesthetics for pedestrians and light-rail passengers. The Forest Ring has dense forests. The Culture Ring has cultural facilities and institutions. The Water Ring is a walkway loop along the water.

The park design was the winning proposal for a competition in which the intent was to connect old and new cultural heritage in the public open space. Suzhou is an urban city of over 2.4 million people with a 2,500 year history. The idea was to create a public space that reflected this history while incorporating the present within the heart of the business district.

Criticism

Assessment

The industrial park started the development of the Gateway Tower, near the edge of Jinji Lake, therefore bringing about the announcement of a competition of a new Suzhou Center within the park. As this project is still in the conceptual stage, it remains to be seen how this project will be received.

With all of the new development happening in the central business district of Suzhou, it appears to be beneficial to create a park that attracts the people who work in this area as well as create a park that connects with its local heritage.

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Grand Park | Rios Clementi Hale Studios Location: Los Angeles, California Cost: $56 Million Funding: Related Companies Size: 12 Acres Scale: City

Rationale Grand park was chosen because of its ability to be a catalyst for activating the city. It uses programming and amenities to bring varies groups to the park and promotes activity all year round.

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The programming of Grand Park is divided by pods and includes many amenities.

The park is connected by one continuous path down the middle and secondary paths running in the short direction

Parti Grand Park has is organized in a series of linear spaces.

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Grand Park | ios Clementi Hale Studios Just make the images fit how ever. feel free to add or remove images, stretch crop or pull any reasonable way

Grand Park

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Content

Intent

Over its length, the site is divided by two city streets and a challenging 90 foot grade change. Our design makes a series of grand park gestures to tie the four-block site together, and create a connected, unified park. The terraces are adaptable to an array of uses, including al fresco dining, event seating, meeting enclaves, and general gathering places. The historic Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain has been restored and is now a dynamic water feature for park users.

Our design for Grand Park has no smaller aim than to express the global multicultural diversity of Los Angeles through landscape design and architecture to create a spectacular, iconic park for Downtown Los Angeles. Thematically, the park celebrates Los Angeles’ identity as a 21st century multi-cultural global city—a metropolis composed of an amazing diversity of authentic ethnic communities and neighborhoods, set in a County where 244 distinct languages are spoken.

Criticism

Assessment

‘This park is not without its flaws. It could use more shade, including umbrellas on its plazas, although that situation will improve as plants mature; there’s too much concrete, which hardens the feel and reflects too much harsh light; the parking ramps along Hill Street, whose removal was deemed too expensive, block the park’s connection to that street; and considering its location in one of the deadest parts of Downtown the park still needs many more amenities, which the county promises are coming.’

Grand Park is a great example of how a space can be transformed to create an identity within the city. It was successful in its intent to express and welcome the diversity of Los Angeles. It continues to gain popularity through its facilitation of many events in its programmatic areas.

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PXSTL Lots | Freecell Architecture Location | St. Louis, Missouri Cost | $60,000 Funding method | Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts Size | 2.5 acres Scale | Local

Rationale PXSTL Lots shows the benefits that a mixed-use space can have on a community.

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PXSTL Lots | Freecell Architecture

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Content

Intent

The temporary construction is composed of a platform, fabric canopy, and adjustable fabric funnels that extend below and above the structure’s frame. The platform will serve as a space for outdoor performances and public education programs. It will be lit at night, activating the space.

This proposal was selected for its “innovative design and approach to the space as a gathering catalyst, hosting social and cultural activities to bring focus on activities of people unifying a community.� The project intends to activate audience engagement by hosting a series of concerts, dance performances, community celebrations, film screenings, and art exhibitions.

Criticism

Assessment

PXSTL Lots will create a community gathering space for the surrounding neighborhoods. The proposal is only meant to be temporary, but still has the potential to address the community problems on a permanent scale.

While Freecell has yet to be built, its focus on community collaboration and exploration of spatial dynamics is relevant to the issues that plague Washington Square Park. The project reflects the importance of projects having multiple functions in one structure.

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Railroad Park | Tom Leader Studio Location | Birmingham, Alabama Cost | $17.5 million Funding method | Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham Size | 19 acres Scale | Regional

Rationale The objective of Railroad Park contains similarity to Washington Square Park through its reconnecting of two parts of a city.

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Railroad Park | Tom Leader Studio

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Content

Intent

The site is a former warehouse and brick-making site with much of the park formed with recovered materials. It contains a series of on-grade and bridge connections, allowing for views of the city.

The park is intended to occupy the seam between the north and south and provide a civic “living room� for emerging residential and existing businesses.

Criticism

Assessment

Railroad park has the potential for many different types of activities, with a performance area and recreational areas.

Currently, the park is well-utilized by people.

There are similarities between this site and the site of the proposed Rail Park that are worth noting. The boardwalk concept should be further studied. This park bridges two different parts of town that the Rail Park will do as well.

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Case Studies | Revitalization The case studies in this category are based on the revitalization of a previously under utilized site. In these examples the renovation is completed in innovative ways that can inspire ideas for the future use of Washington Square Park.

The High Line Bryant Park Pier 6

The High Line | James Corner Field Operations Location: New York City, New York Cost: $152.3 Million Funding method: Friends of The High Line, non-proďŹ t Size: 1.1 Miles Scale: City

Rationale The High Line was chosen for its revitalization of a once run down, unused area. The transformation of the old rail line has provides a unique experience within the city.

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The program of The High Line is separated into programmatic stations along the path.

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public art

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The High Line connects to the normal pedestrain level at many streets,

Parti The concept of tha park is to encourage a different experience of the city.

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The High Line| James Corner Field Operations

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Content

Intent

The High Line originally cut through blocks rather than following avenues to prevent a negative effect on the street life. The trail now provided users with a unique way to experience the city. The entire park stretches one-and-a-half miles through New York City’s west side.

The design for this park was to bring a place of relaxation and calm to New York City’s west side. Ricardo Scofidio, describes the park as a “musical composition.” It has one consistent paving theme that flows throughout the entire design with sections of landscaping that change as one progresses through the space.

The individual events offer a variety of experiential episodes for the pedestrian.

Criticism

Assessment

Another concern has to do with the development around the area.

The High Line has generated a large amount of development around it raising the property values. This could cause a problem with the development around the area because many that live near this area are in public housing. Raising property values can also push many of the residents out of the area and bring in more tourist structures, such as hotels.

The High Line is a unique example of out of the box thinking used to revitalize what was once wasted space. The park is successful in providing a peaceful experience within the city and influencing its surrounding area.

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Bryant Park | OLIN Location: New York City, New York Cost: 18 Million Funding method : Bryant Park Corporation, non-proďŹ t Size: 9.6 Acres Scale: City

Rationale Bryant Park was chosen because of the study put into revitalizing the park. The park was under-used much like Washington Square Park. But after careful study of the park it was transformed into and iconic park for the city.

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The park has specific programmatic areas with unique amenities.

FOOD GREAT LAWN UPPER TERRACE MONUMENT PLAZA FOUNTAIN TERRACE

The park has many connecting paths that increase the accessibility of the park.

Behavioral Studies were conducted for the future revitalization of Bryant Park.

Parti The basic concept for Bryant Park is an open lawn surrounded by a perimeter of specific programming.

PREVIOUS USES MODERATE DRUG SALE HEAVY DRUG SALE DRUG SMOKING URINATION

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Bryant Park | OLIN Just make the images fit how ever. feel free to add or remove images, stretch crop or pull any reasonable way

Content

Intent

Bryant Park includes concessions, public restrooms, and entertainment programming as critical components of its successful restoration. The Great Lawn provides an open area for a variety of activities when an event is not in session and lends itself to seating and stage set up. The lawn is surrounded by low hedges and trees that grow between wide sidewalks and designated seating areas. The redesign of the park also includes specialized receptacles for trash and recycling.

This park is especially relevant to Washington Square Park because of the process of redesign. Bryant Park was previously a park where mostly undesirable activity took place. William Whyte analyzed the park on many different levels and suggested a design that would address social issues of the site. The suggestions addressed issues of safety, accessibility, and circulation.

Criticism

Assessment

“Bryant Park draws thousands of visitors every day and is a landmark of social sustainability. The park is active year-round with concerts, performances, movie screenings, and ice skating. Some critics argue the park is overly programmed, however, this revenue has assured superb maintenance and care for the park and its continued sustainability—environmentally, economically, and socially—inspiring others across the United States and abroad.“

This park is successful because it has redefined the area and serves as an oasis in the city. It works because of the thorough studies to define the problems before creating a design.

Washington Square Park would benefit from this design approach.

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Pier 6 Viewing Platform | BIG Location | Brooklyn, New York Cost | In progress Funding method | Brooklyn Bridge Park and The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy Size | 8.5 acres Scale | Regional

Rationale Pier 6 reflects a successful large scale redevelopment of a previously abandoned industrial area.

The site of the park is situated across from Manhattan, adjacent to the Brooklyn Bridge.

The park is on a series of old piers that were used for shipping.

Parti The viewing platform is meant to take advantage of the natural view shed of Manhattan.

The park uses a combination of piers and surrounding landscape.

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Pier 6 Viewing Platform | BIG

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Content

Intent

The design proposal consists of an elevated, manta ray-inspired platform on the undeveloped northern corner of Pier 6 in the Brooklyn Bridge Park. The structure has the ability to operate as an amphitheater

The objective of this design proposal is to provide a viewing platform as well as a seating area for people. Its purpose is to also function as a shelter and community gathering place.

Criticism

Assessment

The Pier 6 Viewing Platform is already placed in a well-utilized park, giving it the potential of becoming a successful viewing platform and overall space.

The Pier 6 Viewing Platform has the potential to effectively accomplish its goals of serving as a viewing platform and community gathering space.

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Case Studies | Transportation The case studies in this category are based on the park’s access to transportation. This aspect is important because Washington Square Park has the potential to become a multi-modal transit area with its existing bus stops, proximity to Union Station, and the upcoming street car.

The Interchange Dongtan City Magok Central Plaza Olympic Sculpture Park Hudson Yards

The Interchange | Perkins Eastman Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota Cost: $82 Million Funding method: Local, State, & Federal Size: 1.5 Acres Scale: Regional

Rationale The Interchange was chosen because of its use as a transportation hub. The park itself is a unique amenity to Minneapolis. This is relatable to Washington Square Park given the addition of the street car and current connection to Union Station and Crown Center.

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The park is strategically programmed into the areas shown in this diagram.

The park is a transportation hub with access to many types of transportation.

Site Bike Trail Bottineau Light Rail SW Corridor Lightrail Commuter Rail

The park uses topography as a tool in programming and a way to accomodate parking.

Parti The main concept of The Interchange is the transportation strip that is integrated into the park.

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The Interchange | Perkins Eastman

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Content

Intent

Opening in 2014, the Interchange will serve as a central, multimodal transportation hub and community gathering space in downtown Minneapolis. The site will include a Great Lawn, which will be the heart of development--a green stage providing new opportunities for large pre-game events, community concerts, and seasonal events, as well as a space for individual activities.

The Great Lawn will create valuable green space and a new park for downtown with 250 parking spaces underneath. The site development will also include an urban neighborhood plaza with areas for neighborhood bars and eateries, cultural and entertainment spaces, and community events.

The Interchange in Minneapolis’ North Loop neighborhood is envisioned to be a state-of-the-art transit station with complementary mixed-used development and year-round activated public space. At the doorstep of Target Field, it will become the new “central station square” for Minneapolis, inspiring a new civic identity and community pride in its mix of uses, central location, and iconic, purposeful design—ultimately creating one of the first spaces in the country to truly integrate transit and culture.

Criticism

Assessment

‘The Interchange will create a new emblem of civic identity and community pride in its mix of uses by introducing the first of a new generation of facilities that truly integrate transit and culture.

Like Grand Central in New York City, it will draw tourists, workers, shoppers and diners. As an oasis in a part of the city where large-scale freeway infrastructure collides with the historic grand warehouses of the North Loop neighborhood, it will fundamentally change Minneapolis and catalyze future development in the area.’

The transit hub is successful in its innovative use of open transit principals to create a potentially iconic place. It responds well to its unique site to create a plan the responds socially and economically. Upon construction The Interchange should be a year long active area.

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Dongtan City Central Business Master Plan | Ojanen Chou Architects + SWA Group Location: Dongtan City, South Korea Cost: Conceptual Funding method: Heerim Group Size: Unknown Scale: Regional

Rationale While this project development is an entirely new city planned to be a transit hub, it was chosen for its relevance to Washington Square Park in how the design responds to the transit-oriented city by making it pedestrian friendly, including mixed-use developments, and creating much green space by responding to the surrounding context. This project is relevant in terms of its context, with the objective of creating connections.

PARTI

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Yongsan International Business District Samsung Station

Suseo Station

Major highways running through overall site

Pan Gou Techno Valley

Express Highway

Gang Gou Business Park

Dongtan City

Parti

Highways and Rails through transit center

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Dongtan City Central Business Master Plan | Ojanen Chou Architects + SWA Group

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Content

Intent

The core of the development is a transit center for buses, trains, trams, and a pedestrian and bicycle network. Also included are pedestrian scaled blocks, comfortable sidewalks, continuous street facades with arcades and three-dimensional connections at busy intersections. Other program of the proposal include mixed use development. The urban fabric is organized by a series of green zones around a system of water course for spaces of recreation.

The zone for development is located on former agricultural plain that had been taken over by industrial use. The purpose is to make Dongtan City a major regional transit hub. The design layout responds to the natural course of water as it moves from higher to lower elevations.

Criticism

Assessment

This development zone is bisected by a major transportation corridor connecting Seoul with the southern part of the country, making it a regional hub. By creating a transit based city, it is proposed to have an overall design to respond to this transit hub that still makes it a pleasant urban fabric.

Since the desire is to make Dongtan City a major transit hub in South Korea, the need to develop the city through mixed-use development and connecting with it natural scenery would be beneficial to the development of the city.

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Olympic Sculpture Park | Weiss & Manfred Architecture, Landscape, Urbanism Location | Seattle, Washington Cost | $152.3 million Funding method | Museum Funds, Donations, City and State Funding, Tax credits Size | 9 acres Scale | Regional

Rationale Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park was selected because of the unique way it dealt with several forms of astablished transportation which seperated the site fro the environment. Designs for Washington Square Park could draw from it to take a negative (the disconnection formed by heavy surrounding traffic) into a positive attraction for the city.

Pedestrian Movement Art Gathering

Pedestrian Movement Art Gathering

Parti

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Olympic Sculpture Park | Weiss & Manfred Architecture, Landscape, Urbanism Just make the images fit how ever. feel free to add or remove images, stretch crop or pull any reasonable way

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Content

Intent

Affording an array of environmental restoration processes, including brown field re-mediation and the creation of a salmon habitat, the design also offers sweeping panoramic views of Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, Mount Rainier, and the surrounding city.

Seattle’s Olympic Sculpture Park brings art to the public realm in a dynamic integration of landscape, architecture, and urban design.

Criticism

Assesment

Once a desolate and contaminated area formerly used for industrial purposes, the site of Seattle’s new Olympic Sculpture Park has been transformed into an urban sanctuary where art, nature, and infrastructure harmoniously coexist.

Resolving to return the site to a functioning ecosystem, while providing a one-of-a-kind setting for outdoor sculpture and public recreation, the museum turned to a continuous and constructed landscape rising over existing infrastructure and connecting three separate brown field sites into one uninterrupted z-shaped landform that wanders from the city to the water’s edge.

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Hudson Yards Redevelopment | Related Companies & MVVA Location | New York City, New York Cost | $72 Milliom Funding method | Private Donations, Tax Credits Size | 44 acres Scale | Regional

Rationale The Hudson Yard Redevelopment was selected because of its use as a transportation hub and revitalization of older transit. The park itself is a unique amenity to New York. This is relatable to Washington Square Park given the addition of the street car and current connection to Union Station and Crown Center.

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Pedestrian Movement Residential Business

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Hudson Yards Redevelopment | Related Companies and MVVA Just make the images fit how ever. feel free to add or remove images, stretch crop or pull any reasonable way

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Content

Intent

Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates will be the designers of the key 4-acre site. The project will create an urban park over the Hudson Rail Yard turning the area into a lush green space complete with a linear park that will provide a link to 42nd Street.

To encourage resdential development on Manhattan’s far West Side along the Hudson River in New York City. NYC MTA leased the air rights over the railyard for 99 years to Related Companies and Oxford Properties Group, which will build a platform above both the eastern and western portions of the yard on which to construct the project.

Criticism

Assesment

Broke ground on December 4, 2012. The first tower, and the park spaces, are expected to be complete in 2015.

Part of MVVA‘s response was to recognize the inherent urbanity of the site and to anticipate the space’s future need to provide for a diverse popluation.

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Case Studies | DeďŹ ning Topography The case studies in this category are based on the unique topography of the site and the role it has on function of the park. In these cases the topography frames views and defines programmatic regions. Topography applies to Washington Square Park because of the abrupt change in elevation directly north of the site.

Grand Park Piazza d’Armi Tongva Park + Ken Genser Square

Piazza d’Armi Urban Park | modostudio Location: L’Aquila, Italy Cost: Conceptual Funding method: Conceptual Size: 0.03 Hectacres Scale: Local

Rationale Piazza d’Armi Urban Park was chosen because of its programming based on topography.

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The topography of the site creates a bowl within the site.

The park is connected by four primary paths that lead the center.

Programing of the park is based on topographical regions.

Parti The main concept of the park is its separate regions designated by topography and program.

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Piazza d’Armi Urban Park | modostudio Just make the images fit how ever. feel free to add or remove images, stretch crop or pull any reasonable way

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Content

Intent

The edges of the competition area, influenced by the surrounding urban structure and by the condition of these spaces, create a series of artificial and natural areas, that serve as a filter between the surrounding urban design and the area of the urban park.

The area of the church, the playground, the urban square, the marketplace, and the sports area, become interwoven artificial worlds at a neighborhood scale.

The proposal for the Piazza d’Armi Urban Park aims to create a thematic interaction between the competition area and the adjacent existing urban tissue. The architects accomplish this by means of creating a park for this city that is de-contextualized from the neighboring urban space and, at the same time, directly related to the skyline of the nearby mountains. A similar approach using topography could be applied to Washington Square Park.

Criticism

Assesment

Although the park is meant to connect with the existing playing fields, there seems to be an abrupt disconnect between the playing fields and proposed park. The remaining park does create interesting spaces with topography manipulation.

The creation of artificial topography within the park successfully responds to the surrounding mountains as a way of creating programmed spaces with many amenities. The park does however lack significant pedestrian entrances, and should have a greater connection to the existing playing fields.

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Tongva Park + Ken Genser Square | James Corner Field Operations Location: Santa Monica, California Cost: @42.3 Million Funding method: Unknown Size: 7 Acres Scale: City

Rationale Tongva Park + Ken Genser Square was chosen becuase of its programming based on topography and connection to civic and green spaces.

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The park is separated into specific programmed regions based on topography.

TOWN SQUARE

GARDEN HILL

DISCOVERY HILL

GATHERING HILL

OBSERVATION HILL

The park is connected with previously existing civic center and green space.

SITE GREEN SPACE CIVIC CENTER

The park uses its unique topography to add interesting features and address programmatic areas.

Parti The park is separated into two main sections that are connected with a band.

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Tongva Park + Ken Genser Square | James Corner Field Operations Just make the images fit how ever. feel free to add or remove images, stretch crop or pull any reasonable way

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Content

Intent

Fronting Ocean Avenue and abutting City Hall, the once flat parking lot has been transformed into a dynamic topography of rolling hills, meadows and gardens, the restoration of an ecosystem has resulted in a new oasis amid an urban environment. The 7 acre park contains public art installations, water features, an overlook, and seating built into the gathering hill.

The mission was to create vibrant new public spaces in the heart of Santa Monica that respond to the community’s vision. As envisioned in the Civic Center Specific Plan, these parks will provide an important gateway with a strong connection to iconic Palisades Park and the Santa Monica Pier. They will be public spaces that will play an important role within the community - culturally, socially and recreationally.

Criticism

Assessment

‘Fronting Ocean Avenue and abutting City Hall, is currently in soft-open mode, with an official opening on October 19. It’s hard to believe that this 6.2-acre space was basically a parking lot last year. The observation decks, winding walkways, rolling hills, expansive lawns, picnic tables, and lots of play areas for kids make a vibrant space.”

This park responds well to its context to create a welcoming urban park. It divides space to create specific programmatic areas without using concrete as a massive divider. It also takes into consideration the user experience from entering the park to the views offered once inside. The connection to City Hall, Palisades Park, and Santa Monica Pier is strengthened by the parks.

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Magok Central Plaza | Wooridongin Architects Location | Seoul, South Korea Cost | In progress Funding method | SH Coporation Size | 5.2 acreas Scale | Regional

Rationale Magok Central Plaza reflects the success of a modern transit hub when it contains connection with green spaces.

The site of the new transit hub station will be located in the new suburban development of Magok-deong.

Pathways, bridges, and subways provide connections to the site.

Parti The parti consists of connections to the site through pathways and bridges.

The site retains connections through streets and three separate transit systems.

Green space is incorporated into the site.

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Magok Central Plaza | Wooridongin Architects

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Content

Intent

The installation of a bridge connects two facilities to provide a viewing area and streetscape characterization. The pedestrian pathway in the western business area connects with Festival Street, making the Green Area Connecting flow into a sunken plaza.

This proposal has the intent of linking both Jungang Park and the Green Area Connector with the purpose of acting as a landmark.

The overall objective is to create a continuous open space system.

Criticism

Assessment

Since Magok is currently a suburb growing on old farmland, the designers had the ability to create a proposal without many stipulations.

This proposal was the winning design for the Magok Central Square Competition. As it is still in the conceptual stage, its success is unknown. However, it has the potential to be successful since it will provide a major hub of activity with connections for multiple forms of transportation and function.

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Findings | Amenities To gain a better understanding of the case study parks we also analyzed them based on their amenities. The information in this section can be used to determine the prevalence and importance of specific amenities. This will be helpful in proposing a program for Washington Square Park.

Grand Park Tongva Park + Ken Genser Square Bryant Park The High Line Piazza d’Armi The Interchange Magok Central Plaza Be’er Sheva footbridge PXSTL Lots Railroad Park Pier 6 Suzhou Industrial Park Business District Superkilen Park Floating Plaza Competition Entry Dongtan City The City. The Arch. The River Hudson Yards Argonzola Park Olympic Sculpture Park 98

Findings | Amenities Although the parks were organized based on their most definative characteristic, they all have one or more attribute that falls into the established criteria. In this chart we show each characteristic of the park.

I

2

3

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Grand Park Tongva Park + Ken Genser Square Bryant Park The High Line Piazza d’Armi The Interchange Magok Central Plaza Be’er Sheva footbridge PXSTL Lots Railroad Park Pier 6 Suzhou Industrial Park Business District Superkilen Park Floating Plaza Competition Entry Dongtan City The City. The Arch. The River Hudson Yards Argonzola Park Olympic Sculpture Park 99

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This chart shows the individual amenities of each case study park in an attempt to determine the most prevalent amenities. It can be seen that all of the case study parks have at least two amenities and the majority have five or more.

Open Lawn Plaza Fixed Seating Movable Seating Restrooms Pavilion Water Feature Play Equipment Food Amphitheater/Event Seating Transportation Access Art Installations Recreational Games Viewing Areas Recycling Gardens Parking 100

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Findings | Amenities

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Findings | Amenities A compilation of all the park amenities from the previous chart was done in order to see which park amenities were most common. Although fixed seating was the most common amenity among the parks, the studio concluded that the mixture of amenities and their relationship to the context of the park is most important. The purpose of this chart should be used only to identify the abundance of amenities in successful parks.

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Fixed Seating

Open Lawn

Plaza

Water Feature

Art Installations

Transportation Access

Pavilion

Movable Seating Recreational Games

Restrooms

Viewing Areas

Gardens

Recycling

Food

Parking

Play Equipment

Amphitheater

Introduction | Park Inventory The purpose of this section is to establish the programmatic amenities in the greater downtown area and determine what complementary and strategic role Washington Square Park can play in this system.

The park inventory was initially done by KCDC in 2012. The original intent in creating this was to contextually analyze and order every park and civic space within the downtown area to determine the amount of green space. Each park is categorized into Regional, City, Neighborhood, and Pocket and identifies the existing amenities. The parks are also diagrammed to show their connection to surrounding context.

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Kansas City Parks | Park Inventory Scale | 1 : 1000

Description of Map This is a map of all the official parks in the Greater Downtown Area of Kansas City Missouri. As the city grew southward it allowed for newer development to have larger gaps in the urban fabric creating more space for larger parks.

Kansas City Area Parks

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PARK KEY 1. Garment District Place 2. Ermine Case, Jr Park 3. Ilus Davis Park 4. Troost Park 5. Mulkey Square 6. Jarboe Park 7. West Pennway Park 8. Observation Park 9. Gage Park 10. Sheila Kemper Dietrich Park 11. Memorial Hill 12. Penn Valley Park 13. Longfellow Park 14. Hospital Hill Park 15. Liberty Memorial Park 16. Oppenstein Park 17. Admiral Plaza 18. Triangle Park 19. Western Auto 20. Washington Square Park

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5

6

7

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18 19

9

11 20

14

13 15 10

12 4

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Kansas City Parks | Park Inventory Scale | 1 : 1000

Description of Map The parks are organized into four different categories regional, city, neighborhood and pocket. The map shows how these parks connect with the rest of the city.

Connectivity and Access pocket neighborhood city regional

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Garment District Park | 8th and Bank St. Program | Passive Scale | Pocket Park Maintenance | Parks & Rec

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Plaza Fixed Seating Water Feature Play Equipment Transportation Access Art Installations Gardens

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Ermine Case Park | 7th & Pennsylvania Program | Passive Scale | City Park Maintenance | Parks & Rec

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Open Lawn Plaza Fixed Seating Water Feature Play Equipment Event Seating Transportation Access Recreational Games Viewing Area Gardens Parking

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Ilus Davis Park | 10th & Locust Program | Passive Scale | City Park Maintenance | Other

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Open Lawn Plaza Fixed Seating Water Feature Transportation Access Art Installations Gardens Parking

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Troost Park | 30th & Paseo Program | Mixed Scale | Neighborhood Maintenance | Parks & Rec

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Open Lawn Fixed Seating Water Features Plaza Transportation Access Art Installations Gardens Parking

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Mulkey Square | 13th & Summit St. Program | Mixed Scale | City Park Maintenance | Kansas City Royals

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Fixed Seating Gardens Parking Rec

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Jarboe Park | 16th & Beardsley Rd. Program | Active Scale | Neighborhood Park Maintenance | Parks & Rec

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Fixed Seating Gardens Parking Rec

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

West Pennway Park | West 17th St. & Beardsley Rd. Program | Passive Scale | City Park Maintenance | Other

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Open Lawn Water Feature Transportation Access Gardens

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Observation Park | 20th & Holly St. Program | Active Scale |Neighborhood Park Maintenance | Parks & Rec

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Open Lawn Play Equipment Recreational Games

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Gage Park | 23rd & Jarboe St. Program | Active Scale | Neighborhood Park Maintenance | Parks & Rec

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Fixed Seating Play Equipment Parking Recreational Games

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Sheila Kemper Dietrich Park | 27th & Gillham Rd. Program | Active Scale | Neighborhood Park Maintenance | Parks & Rec

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Fixed Seating Gardens Parking Rec

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Memorial Hill | 22nd & Locust St. Program | Mixed Scale | City Park Maintenance | UMKC

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Fixed Seating Gardens Parking Rec

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Penn Valley Park | 31st & Wyandotte Program | Active & Passive Scale | Regional Park Maintenance | Parks & Rec

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Open Lawn Restrooms Fixed Seating Pavilion Parking

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Longfellow Park | 12th & Walnut St. Program | Passive Scale | Neighborhood Park Maintenance | Other

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Fixed Seating Open Lawn

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Hospital Hill Park | 12th & Walnut St. Program | Passive Scale | Neighborhood Park Maintenance | Other

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Fixed Seating Open Lawn Play Equipment Recreational Games Viewing Area

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Liberty Memorial Park | Pershing Rd. & Main St. Program | Passive Scale | Regional Park Maintenance | Parks & Rec

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Fixed Seating Gardens Parking Recreational Games

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Oppenstein Park | 12th and Walnut St. Program | Passive Scale | Neighborhood Park Maintenance | Other

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Fixed Seating Gardens Parking Recreational Games

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Admiral Plaza | E. 27th St & Gillham Rd Program | Passive Scale | Neighborhood Park Maintenance | Parks & Recreation

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Fixed Seating Gardens Parking Recreational Games

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Triangle Park | 23rd & Southwest Blvd.

Program | Passive Scale | Pocket Park Maintenance | Other

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Transportation Access Gardens

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Western Auto | 22nd & Grand Ave. Program | Passive Scale | Neighborhood Park Maintenance | Other

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Open Lawn Fixed Seating Transportation Access

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Washington Square Park | Pershing Rd. & Main St. Program | Mixed Scale | City Park Maintenance | Parks & Rec

FIGURE GROUND

Amenities Fixed Seating Gardens Parking Recreational Games

STREETS

BARRIERS

CONNECTIVITY

Open Lawn Plaza Fixed Seating Movable Seating Restrooms Pavilion Water Feature Play Equipment Food Amphitheater/Event Seating Transportation Access Art Installations Recreational Games Viewing Areas Recycling Gardens Parking

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Findings | Kansas City Park Inventory

Conclusion | Kansas City Parks Inventory The evaluation of Kansas City parks shows that most parks inventoried have programmatic amenities that are not site specific and do little to provide identity to the park. It has also been concluded that there are no unique public spaces existing within the downtown area. This information can be used to determine how Washington Square Park can help develop an identity for itself and the system as a whole. It has potential to unify the system by becoming a public space with unique amenities that relate to the surrounding context.

Open Lawn Plaza Fixed Seating Movable Seating Restrooms Pavilion Water Feature Play Equipment Food Amphitheater/Event Seating Transportation Access Art Installations Recreational Games Viewing Areas Recycling Gardens Parking

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Analysis | Washington Square Park This section specifically analyzes Washington Square Park and its surrounding context. It identifies adjacent amenities, examines the correlation between existing amenities within Kansas City and compares the park’s amenities to the amenities of the case studies. It also defines the parts of the park are permanent versus temporary and provides initial suggestions for potential programmatic regions of the park.

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Nearby Amenities | Penn Valley Park Nearby Nature Pet Facilities Recreational Facilities Regional Memorial

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Nearby Amenities | Hospittal Hill Park Shelters / Facilities Open Space Playgrounds

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Nearby Amenities | Crown Center Ice Skating Aquarium Legoland

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Amenity Correlations | Case Studies The size and colors of the bubbles represents how often the specific amenity appeared in the overall sum of case studies.

The weight and colors of the connection lines reflect how often one amenity was present with another amenity in the overall sum of case studies. The end result shows the relationships between the amenities, and which amenities are used most often in conjunction with other amenities. This can show which amenities are the most popular and successful.

OPEN LAWN

FIXED SEATING WATER FEATURE

RESTROOMS PLAZA

VIEWING AREAS

GARDENS

AMPHITHEATER

RECYCLING

ART INSTALLATIONS

FOOD

MOVABLE SEATING

TRANSPORTATION ACCESS

PARKING

RECREATIONAL GAMES

PAVILION

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

10-14 AMENITIES PRESENT 5-9 AMENITIES PRESENT 1-4 AMENITIES PRESENT HIGH CONNECTION MEDIUM CONNECTION LOW CONNECTION

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Amenity Correlations | Kansas City Area Parks The size and colors of the bubbles represent how often the specific amenity appeared in the overall sum of Kansas City area parks. The weight and colors of the connection lines reflect how often one amenity was present with another amenity in the overall sum of Kansas City parks. The end result shows the relationship between the amenities, and which amenities are used most often in conjunction with other amenities. This diagram can then be compared to the case studies diagram to show where Kansas City area parks can be improved, as well as the priorities of Kansas City parks.

OPEN LAWN

FIXED SEATING RECREATIONAL GAMES

TRANSPORTATION ACCESS

PLAZA

PARKING

GARDENS

EVENT SEATING

RECYCLING

ART INSTALLATIONS

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

WATER FEATURE

VIEWING AREAS

RESTROOMS

MOVABLE SEATING

PAVILION

FOOD

10-14 AMENITIES 5-9 AMENITIES PRESENT 1-4 AMENITIES PRESENT 0 AMENITIES PRESENT MEDIUM CONNECTION LOW CONNECTION

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Amenity Correlations | Washington Square Park Current The color of the bubbles represent whether or not that amenity is present. The connection lines represent the connection between the present amenities. The current connections of Washington Square Park amenities shows a lack of amenities, especially when compared to other Kansas City area parks and the case studies.

OPEN LAWN

FIXED SEATING

TRANSPORTATION ACCESS

VIEWING AREAS

ART INSTALLATION

PARKING

GARDENS

EVENT SEATING

PLAZA

RECYCLING

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

MOVABLE SEATING

RECREATIONAL GAMES

RESTROOMS

PAVILION

WATER FEATURE

FOOD

AMENITY PRESENT NO AMENITY PRESENT CONNECTION PRESENT 136

Amenity Correlations | Washington Square Park Potential The color of the bubbles represent whether or not that amenity is present. The connection lines represent the connection between the present amenities. This diagram shows the realistic potential of Washington Square Park to have certain amenities present in order to provide a successful park.

OPEN LAWN

FIXED SEATING

TRANSPORTATION ACCESS

VIEWING AREAS

ART INSTALLATION

PARKING

RESTROOMS

EVENT SEATING

PLAZA

RECYCLING

RECREATIONAL GAMES

MOVABLE SEATING

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT

GARDENS

PAVILION

WATER FEATURE

FOOD

AMENITY PRESENT PRESENT CONNECTION

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Permanent and Temporary | Washington Square Park Current The analysis led to studies of permanent and temporary spaces, showing the degrees of permanence on the site that must be taken into account. Permanent zones include the Korean War Memorial, George Washington Statue, and the north viewing area.

Permanent Semi Temporary

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Fixed and Flexible | Spaces Proposal A pattern of fixed and flexible spaces appear within the site.

The edges of the site are better suited for fixed programmatic development, whereas the center of the site lends itself to more flexible spaces.

Permanent Fixed Semi Flexible Temporary

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Program Zones | Proposals Through the analysis of site conditions and adjacencies, these are the potential zones of program proposed, in order to activate the park.

CONNECTION OPEN LAWN VIEWING AREAS PROMENADE OPEN LAWN/PLAZA/CENTRAL GATHERING SPACE

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Program Zones | Proposals The second proposal takes into account a greater connection between the site and its context, while still allowing for programmed spaces.

PROMENADE TRANSPORT HUB/FLEX SPACE OPEN LAWN/FLEX SPACE PLAZA VIEWING CONNECTION

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Conclusion | Washington Square Park The studies and analysis in this document suggest a change in the understanding of green and civic space in contemporary urban design practice and their catalytic impact in the ordering of the city. The High Line of New York City is a perfect example of how the revitalization of an area can change how people experience the city. Washington Square Park has the potential to provide a unique public space that does not currently exist within Kansas City. By adding amenities that activate the park, serve the surrounding context, and create an identity the park can be the catalytic link that begins to reconnect the city.

Modern Amenities

Interactive Sculpture

DeďŹ ned Programmatic Regions

Transecting the City

Iconic Place

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