PALS Project: Lake Kittamaquandi Waterfront (Re)design Competition
Congratulations, Chris, Murray, and Renee!
On Monday, May 2, 2016 the Columbia Association awarded FIRST place to BLA Seniors Chris Chima and Murray Boissery (there was only a first place, only an honorable mention) and an HONORABLE Mention for MLA student Renee LaGue's project for the PALS Project: Lake Kittamaquandi Waterfront (Re)design Competition.
1st place winner: BLA Seniors Chris Chima and Murray Boissery
Reflect + Connect: Murray Boissery & Chris Chima
Our aim with this project was to enhance the synergy and connectivity of this site, while increasing pervious surfaces to catch and filter site runoff before entering the lake. Increasing the seating for event spaces/ social gatherings was also a critical aspect of the design. We used a geometric site layout to carry out our concept vision that this lakefront plaza would be a space to reflect and connect.
Honorable Mention: MLA student Renee LaGue
Lake Kittamaqundi: Playful Modernist Park
The modernist park at Lake Kittamaqundi plays up the excellent modern design that is already a hallmark of this site. The modern design is not only visually appealing but also tells an important story about the history of Columbia’s founding. This new design plays up that history and make it more visually apparent while also accomplishing two other goals: accommodating the needs of a growing Columbia, and demonstrating stormwater management techniques. To accomplish these goals, new Z-walls, concrete circles and rays, and gridded bosques of trees are applied throughout the site. The lower half of the site is extended into the lake, reducing the overall slope, and ADA paths allow all users to enjoy the park. Terracing and widened paths improve usability and relieve crowding, and a new stage allows for larger events. A rebuilt bell carillon will restore an important landmark to Columbia’s lakefront and draw visitors to the site.
