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In Jones Plaza\u2019s place is now a colorful, welcoming park that blends varied outdoor performance spaces (inspired by the many performing arts spaces in the area) with interwoven paths, green spaces, and more. The 1.5-acre space was funded by Wyatt herself along with a stable of supporters led by the Downtown Redevelopment Authority and the Houston First Corporation, a local government corporation that promotes the city and manages its convention and performing arts facilities. The space focuses on drawing visitors inside, both for impromptu enjoyment and planned events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese venues shouldn\u2019t just be destinations, but places you happen upon,\u201d noted Naseema Asif, senior architect, cultural & civic projects at RIOS. \u201cThey\u2019re indicative of the creative acts of everyday life.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\nPhotography: Pavel Bendov \/ ArchExplorer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Crafting this kind of gravitational pull required a multi-pronged approach. The firm made the park accessible on all sides and moved or hid many of the old square\u2019s physical impediments, such as its concrete walls and corner air exhaust shafts, replacing them with a varied landscape inspired by the region\u2019s bayous, wetlands, and lush greenery. This includes Oak and Magnolia trees, resilient Zoysia grass, and native plantings. This base palette is layered with welcoming zones like an angular, stepped corner waterfall, a street level entryway packed with native shrubs and zig zagging paths, and the \u201cgateway gardens,\u201d an intricate, shaded plaza filled with trees, greenery, and decomposed granite pathways. Imbedded into these are RIOS-designed street furnishings, which include concrete and wood benches, and yellow metal furniture that includes swinging benches and three types of rocking chairs (including the \u201cTete-a-tete rocker,\u201d two interconnected chairs designed for conversation.) The RIOS-designed lighting poles in the same bright yellow color are also hard to miss.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Photography: Pavel Bendov \/ ArchExplorer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Photography: Pavel Bendov \/ ArchExplorer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
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Photography: Pavel Bendov \/ ArchExplorer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Photography: Pavel Bendov \/ ArchExplorer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n
Further activating these areas is a strategy of \u201curban choreography,\u201d a series of torqued walking paths, varied gathering spots, and performance spaces, designed for visitors to happen upon any type of theater or public activity. Programming\u2014much of it provided by nearby institutions\u2014has already included orchestra, singing, dance, buffets, and food trucks. The water feature itself can serve as a stage, thanks to a hidden feature cleverly called the \u201cSometimes Stage\u201d that drains portions of its water. The street level corner serves as the \u201cstreet stage,\u201d and extending from the 2-story restaurant building\u2014a curving, column free space topped with glulam beams and clad in textured concrete, glass, and ceramic tile\u2014are amphitheater-like steps that serve as seating for shows and events taking place in the \u201ccenter green,\u201d the site\u2019s central open space.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like the design itself, the design team was complex, including 17 consultants. But RIOS\u2019 ability to oversee elements like architecture, landscape, lighting, furniture, and even (once the restaurant opens) tableware design, help Lynn Wyatt Square\u2019s many layered concepts come together. \u201cIt comes out in the details,\u201d notes Peter Emerson, RIOS studio director, landscape architecture. \u201cIt\u2019s about how things come together. There\u2019s no seam between building and park and surrounding sidewalks. It feels like a seamless landscape.\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s such a stark difference between what was there and what is there now,\u201d notes Okan-Vick, who adds that among the plaza\u2019s many fans is Wyatt herself. \u201cDuring the opening I could see she was teared up and getting very emotional about it. She\u2019s had a lot of recognition, but this is the only time a public space has been named for her.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n