As promised here’s a look at the first team’s proposal for a re-envisioned Fair Park. The team members include James Banda (Dallas Office – Healthcare Architecture, Becky Luthman (Chicago Office – Healthcare Interiors), Clayton Holmes (Dallas Office – Commercial/Hospitality), and Bart Mangold (Student, SCAD). What if you could layer activities across the entire park and create an entirely new identity? See what the “Stroll” team says:
Despite resting only one mile from the CBD of Dallas TX, Fair Park has a reputation of being an unsafe, isolated and segregated site. Although considered one of Dallas’ signature parks, Fair Park lacks any significant recreational green space that one usually associates with a Park. The Park fails to fully engage its two primary audiences: local residents looking for regular access to a neighborhood hub, and regional visitors looking for an inviting, innovative destination unique to North Texas.
Overall Goals:
1) Create a signature public park (World Expo 2036?)
2) New appreciation for the park
3) Change perception of safety in the park
4) Create greater opportunities for larger events
5) Encourage connection to city and surrounding neighborhoods
6) Improve access and identity
Our Strategy:
Enhance current activities on site and introduce new activities on three scales (global, regional, and local) by:
1) Providing an iconic global identity
2) Weaving the park into regional public infrastructure
3) Creating a comfortable, accessible space for the community to gather
Concept Statement:
The Fair Park “Stroll” is an organic element that responds to those human demands as it weaves the park’s existing fabric. Physically the “Stroll” is an elevated park which creates a new overall park experience, connecting the entire park, while maintaining the current circulation below that works well with the State Fair. It is a multi-layered experience that serves as functional infrastructure, program space, and as a platform for casual social interaction between both occasional and habitual users. The “Stroll” will provide a cohesive identity for Fair Park while providing a new-found appreciation for the historic park through a new perspective.
The Fair Park “Stroll” will bring new energy that reinvigorates the park and the city into a profitable year-round destination.