redesigning museum park

This project involved an in-depth study of the Museum Park, focusing on its analysis, conceptualization, visualization, and redesign. Through various exercises and field visits, the research investigated the existing park to propose a new vision for the public space and reimagine the museum building. The central question guiding the project was: on what basis does one define public spaces? The proposed redesign aimed to create a water-based, environmentally-friendly park that serves as a public learning space and weather station. This project was completed as part of the Major Course undertaken during an academic exchange at WDKA, Rotterdam.

Reimagining Public Spaces

The primary goal of the Museum Park Redesign was to create a sustainable public space that reflects the principles of climate adaptation and community engagement. The design aimed to provide a multifunctional environment where people can socialize, learn, and connect with nature. Key objectives included:

• Designing a park that integrates environmental sustainability and climate awareness

• Encouraging social interaction and community engagement

• Creating a flexible and adaptive public space that responds to changing weather conditions

• Incorporating educational elements to inform visitors about climate change and resource stewardship

• Promoting alternative transportation methods, such as bike trails and greenways

Research

The project drew inspiration from "A Pattern Language," a foundational text in architecture and planning that emphasizes the importance of human behaviour in design. The research process involved analyzing human interaction with public spaces and exploring how physical environments influence social behaviour. Field visits to various parks, including those in Copenhagen, provided valuable insights into how public spaces are used, particularly by children.

The project also referenced the Rotterdam Climate Change Adaptation Strategy, which aims to make the city climate-proof by 2025. This strategy emphasizes minimizing disruption from climate change while maximizing the benefits of sustainable design. The research highlighted the importance of creating public spaces that are adaptable to environmental changes and promote ecological awareness.

Concept & Development Process

The proposed design envisions a water-based, environmentally-friendly park that reflects the city's climate adaptation goals. Given that it rains approximately 50% of the year in Rotterdam, the design allocates half of the park to water features. These features serve a dual purpose: providing recreational opportunities and acting as a weather station that reflects daily climate conditions, such as moisture and humidity.

The design process involved analyzing natural elements—sun, water, and wind—to explore their potential for energy production and storage. Weather-proofing central areas of the park supports broader city-wide climate adaptation goals. Key design elements include rain gardens to manage stormwater, green roofs to improve energy efficiency, and automated lighting controls to reduce electricity consumption.

The park is envisioned as a dynamic, multi-purpose space that encourages both relaxation and education. By engaging the public as active participants and collaborating with various organizations, the design encourages collective stewardship of natural resources. The redesign enhances an understanding of environmental challenges while cultivating social cohesion and a sense of community through shared experiences.

The project reflects a belief that public spaces should evolve with the needs of their users. By combining functional design with interactive elements, the Museum Park Redesign emphasizes the importance of adaptability, sustainability, and human-centered design.