21st Century Park
The design team at Field Operations was challenged to dream up the country’s ‘Smartest Park’ within Dallas’ historic West End (an up and coming tech district in the heart of downtown). Beyond sensors and gadgets and screens that we might name as ‘smart’ features, the design team reached the conclusion that flexibility is crucial in the evolution of a park and its ongoing utility for the surrounding public. The resulting design has a lush garden tucked within a three-sided shade structure which changes its detailing and character according to the adjacent use.
On the residential side, ‘the ‘Porch’ features rocking swings and dog relief areas. On the side adjacent to a historic brick restaurant, the park features a 50’ long social table with chargers for phones and laptops, ping pong tables, and moveable chairs and tables. On the most trafficked side of the park, the Trellis is outfitted with hookups for rotating art installations and low profile amphitheater seating for performances and gatherings. The Corbin Street side is left open to allow for street closures for events such as food festivals.
Working closely with Parks for Downtown Dallas to ensure the design met all the aspirations of the stakeholders and would thrive season after season through Texas’ drastic climate changes, the park opened in 2020 and has been beloved ever since. Kate Rodgers was the project designer under principal Isabel Castilla and fellow associate Stephanie Ulrich. Kate was responsible for all visualization and the design and coordination of paving, planting and water feature as well as their technical specifications.
