American landscape architecture firm OJB works together with architecture studios HDR and Gensler to complete the Riverfront Project along Omaha's river. The project features renovations of the Heartland of America Park, Lewis and Clark Landing, and Gene Leahy Mall. There are activities including a riverfront pier, ice skating and roller skating ribbon, and native landscaping.
Partner at OJB, Kyle Fiddelke shares, "One of our big concepts was to actually elevate the park back up. We filled in portions of the park and made areas flat so that you could actually do community events. Once we elevated the park and brought the western portion of it up to grade, we really made a commitment to reinforcing the pedestrian grid through the city."
Image Credit: OJB, Gensler, HDR
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Elevated Urban Parks
- Elevating urban parks to create multifunctional spaces that accommodate community events and enhance pedestrian connectivity.
- Integrated Native Landscaping
- Incorporating native landscaping to promote biodiversity and sustainable gardening practices in urban environments.
- Multifunctional Recreational Spaces
- Designing parks with a variety of activities like ice skating and roller skating to attract diverse groups and increase year-round usage.
Where This Applies
- Landscape Architecture
- Integrating innovative park designs that reshape urban landscapes and improve community engagement.
- Urban Development
- Transforming urban areas through multifunctional park developments that enhance city life and pedestrian experiences.
- Recreational Facilities
- Creating facilities that offer versatile recreational activities to draw in both residents and tourists, boosting local economies.
