As we reach the last several weeks of the semester, we are increasingly focused on the details of our design. Especially among the trails and park spaces being created throughout the site, we are examining different systems of railings, materials, and the construction of details for raised pathways.

We have implemented a kit of parts to create a system of pavilion-like elements that can become a symbol of identity for the area and be a constant force that connects the areas. These can be modified based on their specific location to account for the degree of enclosure, wind, light, and other factors while still abiding by the same language of design.

As the concepts for the housing developments are pushed forward, materiality choices and detailing of the facade systems are emerging in both the North and South sites. This helps us understand how our designs will look and act in reality, which helps us evaluate the strength of our original concepts. Certain elements will reach a greater level of detail, while others will remain largely conceptual. Smaller items such as railings and the elevated trail construction have the opportunity to reach a high level of specificity.

We hope to continue the development of these details as well as strengthen our conceptual designs as the semester wraps up. The details elements we are pursuing should reinforce the overall concepts and bring a sense of identity to the riverfront.

As the spring semester marches onward, the studio is focusing on further developing our design proposals for each of the four nodes. Going into more detail about the proposed spaces, activities, and buildings, each node group is experimenting with different design iterations for their area, with an emphasis on creating meaningful and usable spaces for the surrounding neighborhoods.

Rendering of the proposed experience underneath the I-70 interchange, which would connect to Kaw Point and St. Johns Park.

The north group, which is focusing on the areas of Kaw Point and James Street in the Central Industrial District/West Bottoms, is looking at ways to utilize the space underneath the I-70 interchange and draw people’s attention to the Kansas River. Below to the left is a plan of the proposed I-70 underpass park with pedestrian trails, an amphitheater, and river overlook space. To the right is a 3D model of the proposed residential development along James Street and riverfront terracing.

The south group, which is focused on the neighborhood of Armourdale, is examining ways to connect people to the Kansas River, create usable outdoor spaces for recreation, and increase density in otherwise underutilized areas. The left image below is a proposed plan of the area in Armourdale along 7th Street, showing a wide variety of outdoor spaces including sports courts, terraced seating along the river, and natural river cleaning elements to help remove contaminants from the Kansas River. To the right is a section of the area near Hyvee Arena showing ideas for elevated walkways along the river.

Along with the continued support of our Advisory Board, the KCDC studio has also been in contact with numerous community members and stakeholders within our site boundaries which has helped us further curtail our designs to meet the needs of the community. After a successful public meeting on February 25th, the next steps for the studio are to continue developing design iterations for our next professional review on March 29th and continue reaching out to community members and stakeholders.

Moving forward from our professional review last semester focused on our conceptual node studies, the studio is continuing to investigated these four nodes and their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to further understand what the best design proposals that could revitalize the nodes and their surroundings.

The proposed concepts for the Kansas River stretch were rooted in understanding existing site conditions and improving upon them instead of creating a completely new concept. Studying existing zoning maps as well as existing businesses helps us design with intention.

Additionally, further analysis into traffic counts for both local and highway use was applied to all four nodes. This revealed dilemmas with routing traffic differently and how it would affect the proposed public spaces as they are in close proximity to traffic infrastructure.

Our next project review is February 19th and we hope to get feedback from our advisors as to where the studio should move with our design and if the overall river concept still holds considering the node design elements. We are also holding our first public meeting on February 25th and hope to get feedback from community members and business owners in the area on what they would like to see happen and how our designs could benefit those that live and work in Strawberry Hill, CID, and Armourdale.