2007 GUS GARCIA PARK Ideas Competition

OBJECTIVE

This competition challenges emerging professionals to explore design ideas for the development of Gus Garcia Park at 1101 E. Rundberg Ln. Park amenities should support individual and group needs that enhance the community and provide a fun healthy environment for play. The park should facilitate community activities, exhibitions and productions that provide educational and social statements helping to bridge generations and cultures.

Gus Garcia Park is 47 acres of parkland owned by the City of Austin that is currently undeveloped, and is situated in a rapidly growing residential area in Northeast Austin. The City of Austin has approved the development of the Gus Garcia Recreation Center to be built on the site, but no plans have been made for the remainder of the 47 acres of parkland. This competition is to provide a design for the remainder of the parkland, respectful of the existing design of the Gus Garcia Recreation Center.
The competition designs are int ended to illustrate possibilities for the site.

It is expected that the ideas generated by the competition will influence the development of long-term strategic planning for Gus Garcia park. City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department reserves the right to enter into an agreement with the entrant(s) for the further development of any design that is to be used for the competition site.

GOALS

- Provide unique design ideas that highlight the community, the environment, and cultural and social awareness.
- Develop opportunities to work with non-profit, governmental and community organizations.
- Impact the community in a positive way, inspire momentum for community activism, and provoke continued architectural discourse.
- Provide opportunities for residents and community members to participate in and attend:
- Recreational activities (organized and individual)
- Performances (drama, dance, singing and musical concerts, poetry)
- Exhibitions (visual art, photography, fashion)
- Private events and other outdoor activities organized by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department.

SUSTAINIBILITY

Entries should inspire a conceptual synergy between sustainable design principles and the new site components as part of the program. Designs are encouraged to incorporate sustainable and environmentally conscious solutions, including but not limited to: native landscaping, rain water management, recycled and renewable materials, and other innovative design approaches. Reuse of waste materials (excavated soils, etc.) from the construction of the Recreation Center (or other nearby construction projects) is encouraged.

UNIVERSAL DESIGN COMPONENT

Awareness and understanding of diversity issues such as gender, race, ethnicity, age, disability, religion and economic status are an inherent part of universal design. Entries should implement the spirit of universal design within the mechanics of the proposed design solution. All elements of the project should address the inclusive nature of this design component. The design should be useful and marketable to people with diverse abilities. The design should be flexible and accommodate a wide range of individual preferences and abilities. The design should minimize hazards and the adverse consequences of accidental or unintended actions. Appropriate sizes and spaces are provided for approach, reach, manipulation, and use regardless of user's body size, posture, or mobility. This design component should include all elements of design: site treatment; circulation; and organization and function of exterior spaces.
Each design must comply with state and local code requirements, the City of Austin Landscape Ordinance, and the Texas Accessibility Standards.