Mikyoung Kim Design

TMC Helix Park reclaims nearly 42 acres of former parking lots in downtown Houston, transforming this impervious landscape into a pioneering model of climate-resilient civic space. As the first phase of a visionary urban plan along Brays Bayou, the park reimagines infrastructure by integrating stormwater innovation, ecological restoration, and inclusive community design into a vibrant public landscape. With a strong emphasis on public health and resilience, the park brings human-centered and resilient design to the forefront of the downtown experience.

Elevated six feet above the 500-year floodplain, the site is designed to meet Houston’s climate challenges with a biodiverse landscape that functions as a living sponge that manages 3.2 million gallons of rainwater while restoring soil health. To combat extreme heat, the design incorporates a comprehensive cooling strategy: 650 new trees, 4,600square feet of architectural canopies, 380,000 square feet of cool pavement, and a network of water features reduce the urban heat island effect. Shaped by local ecoregions, the planting design features more than 300 species of native and adapted plants woven into helical patterns that echo the park’s name. These sustainable landscapes support biodiversity and offer a rich multi- sensory experience of color, texture, and sound.

An ambitious mobility network further enhances connectivity, with 205,000 square feet of green streets, an 827-linear foot permeable cycle track, 5,000 linear feet of bike lanes, and pedestrian bridges linking the park to the greater city. A neurodiverse ethos to design fosters welcoming and flexible gathering spaces within these immersive environments that provide both stimulation and refuge. Designed with human comfort and resilience in mind, the park addresses some of Houston’s most pressing public health challenges. TMC HelixPark demonstrates how public landscapes can drive climate adaptation, restore ecology, and strengthen health and wellness, while creating a vital neighborhood destination centered on resilience and community.