The 12th Avenue Stewardship Committee got together July 13th for a great discussion about the James Court Park. Seattle Parks and the design team (Hewitt Architects and Ellen Sollod) presented 2 schemes for the park. The majority of folks preferred the first scheme, as pictured above. This includes a really cool feature called “the cloud,” which is a flexible mesh material suspended above the center of the park on wires from adjacent poles. In the “cloud” will be situated a series of (possibly) convex mirrored pieces that will reflect people and patterns from the ground as well as be see-through so that people can see through to the sky, creating different qualities of light for those under the “cloud.” I personally think it is a fantastically cool idea which will really set this park apart from others in Seattle. Details are being figured out regarding the actual materials chosen and how the “cloud” will be illuminated at night. There could be lights on the poles aimed at the cloud or perhaps the lights could be incorporated as part of the cloud.
The blue area in the scheme is not a water feature but instead a raised mound that can act as a stage or seating area. Plans are still coming together for what this piece looks like and how it might be used. Additional movable tables and chairs will be located throughout the park. The trees on the eastern side will act as a buffer against the single family residence adjacent to the park. The planters around the trees will also create seating options.
The full presentation, including the 2nd scheme is attached below. Stay tuned for a 3rd meeting on this park’s design, late August or early September.
James Court Park presentation #2
