In many American cities returning to their riverfronts, often sites exist (like Site #2) where infrastructure (rail, highway, or industrial right- of-ways) severs physical, visual, and symbolic connections. Importantly, this is true for non- human species and natural systems (hydrologic, geologic, biotic, etc.) as well. Overcoming many lanes of vehicular traf c, highway-style walls and engineered edges requires a bold and synthetic strategy— one that heroically (not subtly) reconnects severed systems.
Inspired by the hydrologic cycle (rain to ground to river), our Cloud Burst delivers an urban-scaled topographic response—a hilltop that seamlessly re-engages the city sidewalks to the river’s edge. Newly introduced hillsides offer places to be, to see, to traverse—creating a green foreground to emerging city skyline. A water feature, from a cloud of mist to a dramatic falls, provokes the senses and reminds the visitor of natural flows long since buried in time and progress.
Drag the slider left and right to see how this site looks now compared to if this idea were built.
