(urban waters institute)
// architecture studio project
// university of washington
// university of washington
One of four facilties to complete the new proposed eco district in bell town is the urban waters institute on pier 62. Acting as an extension of the waterfront park promenade, stretching from the olympic sculpture park to pikes place market and the aquarium, the center for urban waters gives as much space as possible to the public. This new vision for the underutilized pier celebrates its connection with the water, encouraging pedestrians to physically engage with the puget sound. Changing the floor levels provides a new relationship to the water where experiences change at low tide, high tide, or sea level.
reimagining the public pier
The form and the size of the original pier was intended for cargo ships and not relatable to human scale. This proposal scales down the size of the pier by breaking the surface area into smaller groups and shifting their height in relation to the water. These new blocks of public space each have different uses and provide a more gradual decent down to the water. In addition, the natural integration of land and water brings awareness to the need for humans to live in harmony with the local environment.
The building takes on a similar logic with shifting floor plates that distinguishes the range of programming. With each step there is a new experience to be had. Whether that be interacting with tide pools, viewing the olympic mountains in the reception area, or walking alongside the water as you enter the lab space.
The form and the size of the original pier was intended for cargo ships and not relatable to human scale. This proposal scales down the size of the pier by breaking the surface area into smaller groups and shifting their height in relation to the water. These new blocks of public space each have different uses and provide a more gradual decent down to the water. In addition, the natural integration of land and water brings awareness to the need for humans to live in harmony with the local environment.
The building takes on a similar logic with shifting floor plates that distinguishes the range of programming. With each step there is a new experience to be had. Whether that be interacting with tide pools, viewing the olympic mountains in the reception area, or walking alongside the water as you enter the lab space.
/ ground floor plan
/ lower floor plan
Urban analysis of the site indicated that Bell Town is an ideal location next to many attractions including Pikes Place Market, Olympic Sculpture Park, and Downtown, yet it is not a destination itself. It is lacking in active street engagement and connections to the waterfront. This proposal highlights the pier as a destination for public life.
