Marquee at Saint James Park
Emerging City Champion Proposal 2016
“Change is the only constant in life.�
-Heraclitus of Ephesos
Saint James Park t Ja n i Sa
Berkeley San Oakland Francisco
n Joh
SAP Center LA SD
California and Bay Area Maps
St
t ain ES San Pedro Square Market
Mountain View San Jose
SF SJ
St
St 4th St 3rd t dS 2n St 1st
s me
ta an S E
ern nF
W
SR-87
os arl C n
e Av
Sa
San Jose Convention Center
I-280
Downtown San Jose
St
Sa
e Av k r Pa
San Jose Diridon Station
St
o nd
a
W
Santa Cruz
ra Cla
197du proposed
Sainte Claire Club
U.S. Post Office
VTA Light Rail
1968 Kennedy Podium
N 3rd Street
N 2nd Street
County Courthouse
1903 McKinley Monument
VTA Light Rail
N 1st Street
E Saint James Street
Saint James Park
First Unitarian Church
playground future development E Saint John Street
Trinity 195du Cathedral 10k sq ft retail
San Jose Athletic Club
Proposed Project Idea
University of Washington, Seattle Symbolizing hope and stimulating change, the cherry blossom tree will revitalize an area in need of rebirth and a sense of place. With future development planned nearby, Saint James Park will not only need to preserve its historic context as one of the first reserved open spaces in San Jose circa 1848, but serve as a green oasis for this new growth downtown. By engaging the public in the design process and implementation of planting twenty three cherry blossom trees (Prunus yedoensis ‘Akebono’), this community will form a strong sense of pride. By planting cherry blossoms, Saint James Park can also act as a destination for residents and visitors alike, similar to places in Japan or at the University of Washington in Seattle, which attract thousands from around the world. Marquee at Saint James Park is a suiting name for this portion of the park. The word marquee can have a few meanings: it can represent a canopy or a mark of excellence or in astrology terms, a heavenly body considered as influencing humankind and events.
Winter Warmth
Summer Shade
The sun has enormous physical and psychological impacts on humans. Too much sun can be blinding, cause skin cancer, and drain the human body. Too little sun can cause lack of necessary vitamin D, and be emotionally depressing. To help balance these extreme conditions, the cherry blossom tree provides shade and protection during the summer months with a full canopy, and warmth during the winter by allowing more light to pass through after the leaves have fallen.
Summer
Fall
Winter
Spring
Prunus yedoensis ‘Akebono’, sometimes called ‘Daybreak,’ is one of the most disease-free cherry trees, and is also listed on the Santa Clara County tree list. It produces dark green leaves on a spreading and arching canopy during the summer months.
During the fall, bright yellow leaves indicate the changing seasons. This color change provides a smooth transition from summer to winter similar, to the color hues embodied by the sun rising or setting which indicate the fore notion of day and night.
Becoming deciduous in the winter, the cherry blossom tree relies on its bare necessities and foundation to get through the cold months, and provide the necessary support for new growth.
Fragrant and showy white and pink flowers personify the first signs of spring. The cherry blossom tree is one of the first few plants to bloom.
Design Pattern
The design pattern resembles that of an orchard. San Jose was filled with orchards, and once known as the Valley of Hearts Delight. This pattern will provide an understanding of the history of San Jose and sense of place.