This line-up of projects was designed to build our understanding of concepts. Every design has a purpose, whether it's as simple as bolstering structure or as complex as creating a space that responds to the environment. We were pushed to challenge our design thinking and create unique structures that related to both the landscape and social surroundings.
Jordan Valley Park, Missouri | Park & Contemplation Space
Our first project was to design a park for the community to engage with. We began by reading a short story about birds by Joe Van Arkel. This was the basis of the project, as we were to interpret emotion and personality of the story into a physical form.
My project was largely guided by bird murmurations. Free-flowing movement and critical moments allowed me to guide people through the site in an unpredictable way as if they were following the birds. Part of our program was a contemplation space - a space for people to sit and enjoy the world around them. I built a space that lifted people into the air almost as if they were ascending with the birds around them.
