Confluence Park is an intricate teaching tool that allows visitors to gain a greater understanding of the ecotypes of the South Texas region and the function of the San Antonio River watershed. Throughout the park, visitors learn through observation, engagement and active participation. Located at the confluence of the San Antonio River and San Pedro Creek, the idea of confluence is ingrained in every aspect: from big gestures like the landform of the park representing the convergence of ecotypes in the South Texas region, to the pavilion "petals" imitating the form of plants that are structured to funnel dew and rainwater to their roots, down to the scale of the paver patterns reminiscent of the flow and confluence of waterways.
Constructed of concrete petals designed thoughtfully to sit lightly upon the land, the BHP Pavilion-- the main pavilion-- forms a geometry that collects and funnels rainwater into an underground storage tank. The pavilion provides shade and shelter, simultaneously engaging visitors to visualize the cycle of water at Confluence Park and how it relates directly to the San Antonio Rivershed. The multi-purpose Estella Avery Education Center, featuring a green roof that provides thermal mass for passive heating and cooling, serves as a classroom space that opens to the pavilion. Rainwater collected through a site-wide water catchment system serves as the primary source of water throughout the park, and the entire site is powered by a photovoltaic array designed to provide 100% of on-site energy on a yearly basis.
Credits:
- Lake|Flato Architects - Intern - Jordan Tsai
- Lake|Flato Architects - Partner - Bob Harris
- Matsys - Pavilion Designer - Andrew Kudless
- Lake|Flato Architects - Project Designer - Sunnie Diaz
- Lake|Flato Architects - Associate Partner - Tenna Florian
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