fargo_civic_plaza

fargo_north dakota

[ contextual planning + landscape masterplan + concept design ] at bishop land design role: project manager, designer

After collaborating with the planning team for the Fargo downtown plan, the city commissioned BLD to look closer into the recommended site for the civic plaza. To create a conceptual vision for the site, the team carried out contextual planning and site programming followed by creating a landscape masterplan based on the findings and recommendations. The goal was to design a much-needed space for civic gatherings and public events that also expands downtown’s green open space network, improves pedestrian and bike connectrivity, and enhances access to the river — all while addressing the site’s grade and hydrological challenges. The project needed to blend diverse interests of a variety of public and private stakeholders and the broader downtown community, which required a robust public and stakeholder engagement process. The team conducted research and public surveys as part of the contextual planning. Research findings and feedback from the community and stakeholder groups helped create a framework and vision which was the basis for concept design. The concept design process explored multiple options via different development scenarios for the area as well as different priorities based on project timeline and programming.

During the overal progression of this project I contributed as various roles. Under direction from prinicpal, I managed the design team through research, analysis, community engagement, concept development, and preparation of final reports for each phase. I oversaw the creation of two booklets for the masterplan and concecpt design phases. Presenting the work to the client and addressing their feedback with reviews and revisions was an important part of my responsibilities. In addition to overseeing the design staff, I also contributed development of concept, production of graphics, from maps and diagrams to concept renderings and managed project schedule, billing & sub-consultant coordination.