UK practice Heatherwick Studio has unveiled updated designs for a park along the waterfront in Louisville, Kentucky, USA, with aspects set to be built on top of a large highway overpass.
The Belvedere park and event space connects Downtown Louisville to a section of the Ohio River waterfront. Originally developed in the 1970's, the area plays host to local concerts and events but has become "barren and disconnected" over time, according to studio founder Thomas Heatherwick.
"For more than fifty years, the Belvedere has been a stage for public life in Louisville," said Heatherwick. "But over time it's become barren and disconnected from the energy of the city around it."
The design follows a previous one revealed by the studio for the site last year.
This recent iteration centres around a large, expressive pavilion and renderings show a textured, looping pathway that travels across the site, which spans approximately 400 yards (365 metres).
"My studio's design is about restoring the buzz and sense of connection of its early years, by creating a greener, more welcoming urban heart, where everyday life can take place; from chance encounters and children's play, to festivals, performances and community celebrations," said Heatherwick.
Renderings show the looping pathway running directly into a section of the city. The pathway then curves around the main pavilion, open grassy areas, stone pavilions and down a staircase that leads onto the Louisville Riverwalk.
The park also covers a large existing concrete overpass that stretches over the I-64 highway.
Foliage, trees, curved lightposts, a fountain, sculptures and amenity buildings also dot the area. The pavilion itself is also rendered from dozens of the lightposts gathered together to create a half-shell shape.
The updated design is a far cry from a previous iteration presented by Heatherwick Studio early last year. The former pictured a large, waved form covered in grass sitting atop the highway overpass.
According to local news outlet WLKY, the design was scaled back due to expense and safety concerns. The project team also launched an online survey and held community meetings late last year to get feedback on the design before making the most recent adjustments.
"Our goal is for the newly reimagined Belvedere to reflect Louisville's unique character, and bring people together again across generations, backgrounds and interests, and go on to become a place that local people proudly call their own," said Heatherwick.
Construction on The Belvedere is anticipated to begin this autumn, with an opening expected in 2030.
Other recent designs unveiled by Heatherwick Studio include a stargazing complex in Saudi Arabia and the studio's first project in Thailand.
The images are by NOD