Here are the three ideas that emerged from the community design process.  Each scheme seeks to balance solar power generation with community park space and does so in distinct ways.  The results are three very different feeling parks, and we want to hear from you 1) which can you see yourself using the most, 2) how you would use it and 3) which is your favorite.

Please leave your comments here, or under each scheme’s entry (click on the title to get more perspectives and information).

A couple of general comments to preface the three designs: Read the rest of this entry »

BIG ROOF aerial view

BIG ROOF-plan

The ‘Big Roof’ scheme spreads rows of solar panels (131 total) across the site, spaced so each row doesn’t shade the previous row, with the gaps between letting in diffuse north light. The structure is 15’ above the current concrete slab grade so that the space underneath can be used for public gathering.

BIG ROOF-view from 65th street entry

We would use the existing slab and landscape the east and west edges of the site under the canopy with shade tolerant plants, similar to the verdant understory of a forest. Rainwater would be harvested off the panels, stored onsite, and used to irrigate the plantings and feed a water feature running through the garden.

BIG ROOF-view under the canopy

Trellises along the east and west edges of the property, planted as a vegetated, vertical screen, would help define the entry, and hide the back edge of the neighboring restaurant.

Small pavilions are located at either end, one for emergency relief/info/storage and another for community activities or art.

The initial total project cost, including landscape, garden, pavilions, soft costs (design, engineering, fundraising, administration) and the solar power array (including the structure) would be approximately $771,000.  Of that cost the solar power array is roughly $443,000 or 57% of the total project cost.

PAIR aerial view

PAIR-plan

The ‘Pair’ scheme consolidates the rows of panels into two larger arrays (160 panels total), creating a sunny courtyard space in the center.  Under each array, we have a small structure, one for emergency relief/info/storage and another for community activities or art.

PAIR-view from 65th entry

We envision a path winding through the center of the site, from an entry gate at 65th to the alley at the SE corner.

PAIR-view from within courtyard

The planting along the west side of the path and structures would be more naturalistic with native, hardy species and lots of year round color.  On the east side, the space would be geared to informal use and play, with tables, perhaps play equipment.

The initial total project cost, including landscape, garden, pavilions, soft costs (design, engineering, fundraising, administration) and the solar power array (including the structure) would be about $658,000.  Of that cost the solar power array is approximately  $387,000 or 58% of the total project cost.  Because the structure is concentrated, the costs to support the solar array is less, and the overall cost is lower.

WEDGE aerial view

WEDGE plan

The ‘Wedge’ scheme consolidates all the panels into a single structure (114 panels total).  The  array has a community room for meetings, art, gathering, which becomes the anchor for the array.  It would open up to the north, to the space under the array, acting as a backdrop for activities in the plaza, such as small concerts, or outdoor movies.

WEDGE from 65th

In order to achieve better efficiency for the panels the array slopes up to the north at 20 degrees, reaching a height of 28’ setting up a dramatic presence when seen from 65th Street.

wedge plaza

The roof of the community room would be a stepped green roof, where visitors could soak up the afternoon sun, see over the restaurant to the southeast and downtown.

WEDGE-path from alley, green roof on community space

The grade would slope up gently with an ADA compliant path to the alley and connect to the roof deck.  Along the winding path, we would have a series of small gathering spaces set into the landscape.

Rather than the single, centrally located public space envisioned in the Big Roof and Pair schemes, the Wedge has a mix of spaces–the large outdoor gathering space under the array, the secure, enclosed community room, the winding path with seating along the edge, and the sunny roof garden above the community room.

The initial total project cost, including landscape, garden, community room, soft costs (design, engineering, fundraising, administration) and the solar power array (including the structure) would be about $729,000.  Of that cost the solar power array is roughly $285,000 or 39% of the total project cost.  The community room with a walkable green roof is more expensive than the structures in the other schemes, and therefore is a larger percentage of the overall project cost.