KVA was commissioned by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) to lead programming and design for a five story Garage in Springfield, MA, working with 10 state and city agencies and community groups. A design concept consensus established a five-story CarPark with integrated electric vehicle charging, solar ready rooftop, and an adjacent Civic Plaza designed for flexible, four-season public uses.
The CarPark design and massing creates a new urban destination that connects the Springfield’s Museum District with the Connecticut River waterfront. It recasts the role of structured urban parking within a dense urban fabric as a welcoming arrival point by prioritizing public presence, pedestrian experience, and natural systems. The design transforms the adjacent vehicular road into an active pedestrian lane with 10,000 SF of retail and outdoor seating that links the Car Park’s pedestrian entry with the Convention Center.
The Garage façade is inspired by Springfield’s history as the birthplace of the American Manufacturing System of interchangeable parts. A system of recycled aluminum fins is folded at different angles to reflect natural light. The panel design engages paint overspray in an innovative way to blur applied color with the reflective aluminum surface and changing sky. This repeated system of fins creates shifting patterns inspired by natural water flows that become visible from different viewpoints.
The precast concrete structure features a generous internal Light Well that enhances natural ventilation, improves human experience and conserves operational energy. The Public Circulation links the lightwell with two Pedestrian Cores with glazed zones for daylighting and passive security. The main stair ascends above a leasable, revenue generating Balcony Space that overlooks the events and green space activities on the Plaza.
The landscaped Civic Plaza design supports flexible 4-season activities and Convention Center events. The Plaza’s terraced berm provides elevated event viewing and activates daily social gathering. By introducing daylight, ventilation, and green landscapes, the CarPark design creates a distinctive experience with authentic connections to Springfield’s industrial legacy and natural history.