P A R K S P A C E

2020

Both vibrant and practical, P A R K S P A C E was an intervention that helped visualize social distancing guidelines in Austin’s parks and green spaces.

As Austinites step carefully back out of their homes, we need to shift the ways we move through and interact in public spaces. To help with this transition, P A R K S P A C E provides a creative wayfinding system to encourage safe practices for our community. The site-specific installation series uses eco-friendly turf paint to delineate spaces where people can come together to enjoy their favorite outdoor activities—like picnics, yoga, and relaxing in the sun—while maintaining a safe distance. P A R K S P A C E is designed to respond to the topography and character of each site, while highlighting native Texas wildflowers through colors and patterns.

Locations include:

Bat Observation Area (installed September 2020)
Long Center (installed August 2020)
Pease Park (installed July 2020)
Republic Square (re-installed September 2020)
Roy Guerrero Colorado River Park (installed July 2020)
Zilker Metropolitan Park (installed July 2020)

Please note that these installations are temporary by nature; select sites will be refreshed as means permit. Check back for future sites, including other parks across Austin and green spaces around the world, with other architecture foundations and centers for architecture incorporating the designs!

Share your experience! #parkspaceatx #austinfdnforarchitecture #aiaaustin

View the P A R K S P A C E video and press release and check out select media coverage:
The Austin Chronicle
Austin Monthly
Austin Parks and Recreation Department 2020 Annual Report
Culturemap
KVUE
Sightlines (June 23, 2020)
Sightlines (Januay 25, 2021, Q&A with exhibitions committee chair Gerardo Gandy)
Yelp

P A R K S P A C E is a program of the Austin Foundation for Architecture, made possible with support from AIA Austin and in partnership with Austin Parks and Recreation, Downtown Austin Alliance Foundation, Long Center, Pease Park Conservancy, and The Trail Foundation. Special thanks to Gerardo Gandy, Assoc. AIA; the AIA Austin Urban Design Committee; 4Ward Land Surveying; and Gensler.

This program is free and open to the public; donations are appreciated and help us continue to produce programs promoting the value of the built environment for all Austinites!

Image 1: Abby Comeau; Images 2-7: Ryan Conway, Gensler; Image 8: Melissa Robledo.