LASN is a photographically oriented, professional journal featuring topics of concern and state-of-the-art projects designed or influenced by registered Landscape Architects.
Issue link: https://landscapearchitect.epubxp.com/i/807417
In 2011, Metro Nashville and Davidson County created an open space plan that officially identified the site as an important addition to the city's open space. In 2012, the South of Broadway master plan was commissioned, which reviewed the planning in downtown Nashville in the aftermath of the 2010 flood, and the impending completion of the Music City Center (convention facility), which occupied six blocks in the south downtown area. Through these public community endeavors the consensus on the best use of the thermal site was once and for all determined to be public open space. A concept plan was developed as a part of that study, and in December 2013 a team of project managers, designers and construction managers was selected to move that idea forward. Design Inspiration from the River's Morphology With the prominence of this particular site within one of the many bends of the Cumberland River, the waterway and its industrial history became the design muse for the park and amphitheater. Inspired by the morphology of the river—carved limestone bluffs and remnant sand bars along its banks evident from viewpoints within the park— these elements would be referenced throughout the design work. The river's design references are played out by the sinuous curves throughout the park, the multicoursed limestone walls and building facades and making us of regional aggregates in the earth- toned pavements. The site walls and architecture are meant to seem carved out of the earth. The river industry, manifested at this segment of the river through abandoned gantry cranes from the barge Above: Domingo Gonzalez Associates was the architectural lighting designer for the Ascend Amphitheater and Riverfront Park. RGBW color changing luminaires—surface-mounted 20-watt accent lights, 20-watt linear luminaires, 50-watt floodlights and surface-mounted 270-watt floodlights—are placed at the cowl, stage and the outer shell of the structure. The luminaires, combined with architectural dimming controls networked to a theatrical control system, allow the amphitheater to create dynamic color canvases. Top, Left: Yoke-mounted 270-watt RGB LED flood luminaires ('Dyna Drum HO QW') colorfully light the amphitheater's façade and walls. These are high-output quad color flood fixtures. Bottom, Left: 20-watt RGB LEDs ('DynaGraze Exterior HO DMX') hang from adjustable brackets on the steel tubing in the rafters. The lighting effect is "linear grazing." 28 Landscape Architect and Specifier News