Project Description

This project was introduced in the second semester of the third year of architecture school for a class called Site Design for Architects. Pushing each student to test their creative skills in the design of a local site. Each designer was given the opportunity to choose from a list of local sites in the Fargo, ND area. The site chosen was to be redeveloped into a completely different use than what it was already acting as. A program was to be developed for the site chosen on what it could possibly be and what changes will be made to influence a better overall integration into the community surrounding it.

The parcel chosen currently acts as a parking lot for the abutting park within the downtown Fargo district also known as Island Park. The initial site analysis and surrounding context revealed a highly underutilized portion of the park that could better serve the community if reimagined. Island Park serves as a central hub of nature for the downtown district where on nice days the community populates the area underneath the old growth trees. Other uses sharing the park include the Island Park community pool, sport courts, the local YMCA, Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre, countless public pathways, and an abundance of low sloping open green space. The chosen site currently acts as a sort of break between the park, surrounding businesses, and the neighborhood. Site parking analysis showed street parking to the north to be adequate for the number of visitors by vehicle. An additional parking lot to the south provides more than enough space to serve the lower half of the park while the YMCA development integrates parking on site. Most park goers either access the park by foot or public transportation. There are currently no structures on site besides an iconic open gazebo. Consideration of event space would boost park utilization and overall community interaction.