1. Brush Square Park Design Evolution 2008-2009
Presented by Sharon Miller - Strategist & Sam Schonzeit - Architect/Designer

2. Project Objectives
To consider a strategic evolution of the design and use of Brush Square Park
To understand the current usage and role of the park
To understand the future needs and visions of stakeholders
To develop a conceptual focus that reflects stakeholder input
To present a design recommendation based on that focus

3. Project Approach One-on-one interviews were conducted with
the following stakeholders:
Austin Parks Foundation
PARD Maintenance
Austin Convention Center
Hilton Hotel
Marriott Hotel
O’henry Museum
PARD Cultural Programming Dept
Austin Parks Programming Consultant
Fire Station #1 and Museum
Residents of 555 Lofts, The Railyard and Avenue Lofts
Capital Metro Community Development
Art in Public Places.

4. Research Summary What is unique about Austin?
- It appreciates creativity and independence and has an interest in the quirky and weird
- It’s has a friendly, playful charm that’s welcoming and open
- It’s people love the outdoors and social gatherings
- It’s a casual, progressive city

5. Research Summary What is unique about Austin Parks and green space?
- There is a naturalness to Austin’s parks, they maintain an organic relationship to nature, providing a casual environment in which to play and decompress
- They are for everyone; a diverse range of people and dogs
Research Summary

6. Research Summary
What is unique about the dynamics of the neighborhood? R
- It has a diverse group of neighbors and visitors (Residents, Historic Museums, a Fire Station, Hotels, The Convention Center, Lance Armstrong Bikeway and a new Commuter Rail Stop)
- Its relatively new so the dynamics are evolving but it already has
a collaborative, neighborly feel

7. Research Summary
What we want for Brush Square Park

8. Research Summary
What we don’t want for Brush Square Park

9. What is the main focus for Brush Square Park?
- All agreed they wanted a park that connected them to nature.
A place of beauty, color and fragrance that can help restore a sense of balance
- A relief from the hardness of concrete, steel and glass; not over-landscaped or pretentious
- A place to meet or be entertained; either by a performer or just by watching people

10. Research Summary
Brush Square Park Programming

11. Research Summary Programming
- Stakeholders were interested in more intimate and cultural types of programming for the park; not an extension of 6th street
- Many were interested in an educational element to the programming or something that facilitates socializing with neighbors or visitors
- small, acoustic musical entertainment
- plays or theater performances
- poetry slam/readings
- movies in the park
- short-term traveling art exhibits
- social events or lessons (food, wine, art)
- activities for kids

12. A nature tonic for city people
Brush Square Park
Design Focus
A nature tonic for city people
and a culture club for neighbors and visitors

13. Practical Considerations
Brush Square Park
Practical Considerations
- Safety and security
- Integrating museum row
- Fire Station parking lot reduction (phased design approach)
- Responding to additional commuter rail traffic and buses
- Responding to the lance armstrong bikeway
- Awareness of ground level as well as aerial vantage points
- Integration of sustainable practices
- Awareness of dog use for residents
- Protection of current trees in the park
- Awareness of the other downtown parks

14. Brush Square Park
Design Recommendations

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24. For more information please contact:
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