The Garland Avenue Mixed Use Project is a progression on our previous experience with the parking and retail typologies. The project consists of a 1600-car parking structure, 20,000 gsf of tenant-based retail, and 32,000 gsf of anchor retail housing the University of Arkansas Bookstore. The project occupies an 'edge' site on the major street entering the University district—the site is a seam between the University and an adjacent residential neighborhood.
Retail program is located to reinforce pedestrian circulation along the entire site and anchor the project to the site. The open ramp structure occupies the interior of the site above the tenant retail program ensuring a lively street presence for the pedestrian-based retail development and openness for daylight and security in the ramp.
At street level the retail and bookstore components are clad in a rain-screen of recycled fiber cement board. The charcoal color of the cement board recalls the character of local stone.
The project is wrapped in a unifying scrim of terra cotta rods the
respond to the predominantly red brick masonry character of the adjacent neighborhood. This contextual scrim modulates itself across the ramp and bookstore to both admit and block desirable
and undesirable light sources while allowing patrons to 'see and be seen'.
Pedestrian circulation is externalized and fully glazed to promote a sense of security and 'celebration' of the experience.
The bookstore mass has been 'pulled away' from the ramp creating a pocket park facing the residential neighborhood. This green plaza is envisioned as a respite for patrons from their daily routine.
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