ELEVATED ROOF PARK

This project is a proposal for an elevated rooftop park. The only design requirement was to improve the existing condominiums designed by architect Louis Sauer. I was intrigued by the amount of potential for the site to instigate communal interactions. There seemed to be a lack of socializing between neighbors.

The geometric qualities of the buildings inspired my design. Immediately I knew the plan needed to be based on a grid system to play off the geometry. I placed a 2x2 grid over the entire complex and started erasing away pieces where trees could poke through and green roofs could still be seen. The park was designed to be a transparent intersection over the buildings. Additionally, to not take away from the architecture the structure is light and the walkway is perforated metal. The perforation allows rainwater to still reach the roofs below.

The entrance is ramped for accessibility in the center of the structure. The ramp leads to a walkway ring followed by an outer layer of platforms, varying in height. The platforms cascade down as the site slopes and are connected by ramps. The park is connected to the buildings at some points and is connected to the ground at others. In some cases there are green walls or trellis fences.

The other main aspect incorporated into the project is movement. The metal walkway is set up with a track system that allows boxes to be moved around. There are cubes for seating, lighting, trees, plants, and even speakers. There are also giant chess pieces and shading elements that are movable. They vary in height and size. Having an adjustable landscape allows the accommodation of a variety of events.