Seattle Design Commission -- Visual Resume: harrisonstreet-visual

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The Grass Blades

(Photo by Benjamin Benshneider.)

Facts

Name: The Grass Blades
Goal: to screen a parking lot to the north of the Experience Music Project and to create a new sense of entry to the Seattle Center at Harrison Street.
Year Built: 2002
Address: 305 Harrison Street
Client: Seattle Center
Designer: r-b-f Architecture
Cost: $500,000
Awards: 2002 American Institute of Architects Merit Award
Design Commission Reviews:
- schematic design (December 6, 2001)

Design Commission's Influence
The Design Commission believed the Seattle Center's designer was too timid with its approach to the design of the wall, especially given that it was next to the Experience Music Project and would serve as a gateway to the Seattle Center.

The Design Commission made several recommendations to the Seattle Center and its design team:

Overall Concept and Direction

engage an artist who would consider this an opportunity to create a unique, distinct project
rethink the project by simplifying the overall approach to the wall design
add details that are complementary to the theme and responsive to the context

Wall of fins. (Photo by Benjamin Benshneider.)

Design Refinements

incorporate social spaces and opportunities for seating
protect the ends of the walls
frame the wall with piers to create strong openings that function as gateways
design the footings for the wall to be sensitive to the existing tree roots

Moveable fins. (Photo by Benjamin Benshneider.)

See other projects in the Visual Resume.

Last Updated: April 26, 2007

What's New

NEXT MEETING
April 3, 2008
See the agenda.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Viaduct Replacement
The Seattle Design Commission evaluated the two alternatives for the Viaduct replacement. Read the press release (1/19/2007) and letter (2/13/2006) to the Mayor and City Council. In an earlier letter (7/21/2004), the Commission evaluated all alternatives.

SR 520 Bridge Replacement
The Seattle Design Commission believes it is premature to endorse the 6-lane option for the 520 bridge replacement and that the best mobility and urban design solution might rest in a yet-to-be-developed hybrid alternative. Read the letter (10/6/2006) to the Mayor and City Council.

The Commission is concerned about the impacts of the Pacific Interchange and recommends honing a 4-Lane hybrid option for SR 520. Read the letter (10/31/2006) to the Washington State Department of Transportation regarding their Draft Environmental Impact Statement.

Public Safety Building Site Redevelopment
The Seattle Design Commission recommends the Public Safety Building site be redeveloped to create a great public space to complete the City's civic campus. Read the report (9/2006).

Waterfront Plan
The Seattle Design Commission supports the City's Central Waterfront Plan and the Department of Planning and Development as the lead agency in its development. Read the letter (2/13/2006) to the Mayor and City Council, and an earlier letter (8/17/2005).

VISUAL RESUME

The Grass Blades
See the AIA award-winning The Grass Blades at the Seattle Center and how the Design Commission's review made a difference in the development of this project. Open the Visual Resume.

photo by Benjamin Benschneider

ANNUAL REPORT

2006 Report
In 2006, the Design Commission reviewed $8.99 billion worth of public projects. For details, see the commission's annual report.

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