ZIEGLER COOPER
Essay 20.6
Parks, Pocket Parks, & Signature Greenspace
Parks, Pocket Parks, & Signature Greenspace Our designs are more than buildings on a city block. These structures outlive the architect, so it is our responsibility to enrich the urban fabric by bringing gathering places for the community into our designs. Creating a community that keeps working for everyone means that an enormous
ZCA has been fortunate to work with many insightful developers that have allowed us to create beautiful additions to the built environment with more than 60 high-rise and midrise urban residential buildings. A wellplaced park bench, a pocket park, a street-side
number of willing participants, both private and public, must take hold of a vision and have the will and capital to see it through.
cafĂŠ, or opportunities to shop where people can visit or just sit and watch the world go by are all important elements of a sustainable and walkable urban village community .
Here, we take a look at some of our recent urban residential projects in the context of the signature greenspace, pocket parks and public parks associated with them.
Autry Park; Houston, Texas
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Autry Park is an essential element in the Buffalo Bayou development where Hanover Autry Park luxury apartments and curated retail forms phase one of the fourteen-acre mixed use development. Hanover Autry Park offers the opportunity to take the public realm to new heights. The development brings high-rise living and a vibrant mix of retail, dining, and entertainment – all around a new central village green – to the edge of 20 miles of hike and bike trails along Buffalo Bayou, one of the world’s most successful linear parks. The 160-acre Buffalo Bayou Park, originally created in 1929 is now a vital thread in the fabric which connects downtown to the Galleria and other vibrant, surrounding neighborhoods.
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Parks and signature greenspace are amenities that are very attractive for the public and help to beautify and activate the street level of a development. People fare better when exposed to inspirational and compelling architecture which is a vital component of a more pleasant and engaging stroll. People need safe and purposeful activity in urban settings, so the lively mix of urban living developed around Houston’s entertainment venues, theaters and parks is an important component of sustainability. Walkable community is contingent upon the residents; their activities, their eyes, to make the street exciting, interesting, and safe every day, not just during community and public events. High-rise living like Caydon’s Drewery Place located on the western edge of Midtown Park, brings people to the streets to visit restaurants and to shop outside of the workday.
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Pocket parks and outdoor seating areas help to attract tenants and provide a place for enjoying a regeneration of urban wildlife, adding great quality of life to the community. A well-designed street scene becomes a compelling experience for residents and visitors. Active public uses at the ground level, such as the chef hall and patio dining areas at Hines’ Aris Market Square, draw in tenants as well as non-resident patrons. This pocket park was created when the developer stitched together seven adjacent parcels of land, leaving an awkward space that proved perfect for an intimate urban garden. It reinforces pedestrian activity by affording access to public transportation for residents and echoes the building’s extensive array of street access to restaurants and clubs in the Downtown Houston neighborhood.
4 Driscoll River Oaks is a classic Point Tower with private signature greenspace afforded by the elevated pool deck above the garage podium. The garage podium serves triple duty with parking for residents and retail patrons, its wrap of high-end retail, and its elevated amenities. Set above a bustling streetscape with popular retail stores below, this signature greenspace offers an elevated home sanctuary with stunning views.
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SUMMARY The significance that our buildings outlive us guides ZCA to take our responsibility to heart to enrich the public realm when designing the built environment. The synergy of a well-designed apartment development for urban living and a vibrant, sustainable community comes from bringing people together in a mixed-use environment at the ground level and providing access to public greenspace. Parks and greenspace have always played an important role in village life enriching the lifestyle of residents and visitors alike. We’d like to hear your ideas for your next signature development and work with you in creating a vibrant urban village. About The Author: Scott Ziegler, AIA “I believe the number one thing a placemaking design should do is to make it memorable. A variety of textures, whimsical art, and fun or unexpected spaces help the story of the place evolve as the pedestrian experiences it.” Chris Petrash, AIA , Design Principal
As Founding Principal of the firm and leader of the Urban Architecture Studio, Scott’s design experience reflects his belief that inspirational architecture enriches people’s lives, uplifts the human spirit, and provides a constant vision of excellence. As Residential Senior Practice Area Leader, Scott plays an active role in shaping the urban landscape through the firm’s built works and his published writing in professional journals on the subjects of sustainable urban growth strategies and high-density mixed-use developments. Ziegler Cooper Architects 700 Louisiana, Ste 350 Houston, TX 77002 t: 713.374.0000 www.zieglercooper.com
Camden Downtown; Houston Texas