Macarthur Park - Reimagined

For our second semester (1st year) our studio was focused on redesigning Macarthur Park, a historically rich and culturally significant piece of Los Angeles's landscape.
Firstly, we looked into precedents which were effective in their grading and drainage methods, not only for their efficiency in using water on the site but of the overall design choices the type of grading informed.
Secondly, we moved on to looking deeper into sites specific research of the types of 'everyday urbanism' which can be observed throughout the park and the surrounding community. Understanding how space is used, formally and informally provided essential information in how to create and maintain these opportunities for everyday urbanism within our reimagination of the site.
Lastly, we moved into regrading and redesign for the park. It was critical for my park design that a topographic strategy which considered not only storm water management for the present day but future effects of climate change was implemented. The outcome was a regrade which designed over 20 pools which functioned as a constructed wetlands in major storm events and could be reprogramed to create moments for ‘everyday urbanism’ in dry events.