 |
| Design for new Austin Central library; Lake/Flato Architects |
A ten-block area in downtown Austin is being transformed, with the development of a
new $120 million downtown library, the Seaholm Power Plant redevelopment, and the Green Water Treatment Plant redevelopment (all on city land). I hope Austin parents will be asking city officials about the design of these spaces and how they can be made more family-friendly. With the new library, the area will surely be a huge magnet for families with children. Thanks to councilmembers Laura Morrison and Kathie Tovo, the library is including a special first-of-its-kind (for Austin) outdoor kid-friendly art sculpture for children to climb on. But what about the other outdoor spaces? For example, the Seaholm redevelopment will be including a large public plaza with restaurants and gathering spaces. Will families with children be able to enjoy these spaces? Will there be spaces for children to explore and play? When these public places come to life will they include the youngest members of our community?
Inspiration can be found from other cities. For example, I love seeing what
Charlotte, North Carolina has done with its downtown ImaginOn children's library and theater, producing events that spill onto the surrounding downtown streets--including this
Wordplay event where kids take over the streets with chalk in hand.
 |
Charlotte's ImaginOn Children's Library: Downtown Wordplay Event
By: gregor_bug, Flickr |
 |
Playful "stepping stones" outside Charlotte's ImaginOn Children's Library
By: mstephens7, Flickr |
No comments:
Post a Comment