“How DO WE CREATE A TEMPORARY INSTALLATION THAT WILL CONNECT THE FIRST AND LAST USER?”

MEET THE PARKLET

Teaming with Harry Ross of FieldCraft Studio, we were honored to be selected by Left Bank Coffeehouse and Renaissance Covington to design and build a parklet on the urban streets of Covington, KY. The competition selected four other parklet teams and local small businesses to team up and build their designs during the summer and fall of 2016. The journey and results for the community and our team was nothing short of amazing!

Our early conceptual thinking led us to two conclusions about the site, the user and the opportunity. First, the design should promote engagement between the first person who uses the parklet and the last person who uses the parklet. Second, the design should be variable by inviting users to physically manipulate the structure or skin. A steel spine and wood ribs create the rhythm of the structure - flipping from one side to the other to acknowledge the juxtaposition of the sidewalk and street behind. Between the ribs are a series of overlapping fabric panels through which the users leave their creative mark or wish.

The shelter was created using reclaimed barn wood and with the idea that the piece could be moved or disassembled and upcycled. Fortunately, at the end of its use, the parklet was installed nearby at a local outdoor art gallery to be enjoyed for a few more years.

Meet the Wish Igloo and our partner at Left Bank Coffeehouse. Thanks to Spotted Yeti Media for the video!