2016 Archive : Fiesta Paseo Nodes – Type II Structures

Project Details

Fabric 1

TX 30 - Type II
Producer: Serge Ferrari North America Inc.
Supplier: Serge Ferrari North America Inc.

Please describe the project specifications

The Southern Avenue Improvements project in Mesa, AZ is an extension of the streetscape improvements associated with the Fiesta District revitalization efforts. The long-term program seeks to define a unique sense of place while improving transportation and pedestrian linkages. The district is a reemerging and important business district in the City and features cutting-edge industry clusters, extensive infrastructure and ample hospitality accommodations.

As part of these renewal efforts, a series of pocket parks and paseos were developed to bring human scale to the landscape enhancements. Intending to increase interaction between the people in the district and to create components which enhanced the community’s identity, the Paseo Nodes and associated shade structures were established.

What was the purpose of this project? What did the client request?

As an extension of other shade structures built for the streetscape improvement project, the client requested another unique freestanding structure that would further compliment the Fiesta District revitalization work. Although previous structures on this project (Type I Structures) were examples of creativity and pushed the limits of structural and architectural imagination, these structures (Type II Structures) were to offer a more modest and simplified design.

This shade structure, along with a new water feature, would define a pocket park and resting area along the streetscape. The new structure would need to compliment not only the other shade structures along the streetscape but also the surrounding landscape and overall brand of the Fiesta District.

What is unique or complex about the project?

The outer frame of the canopy was designed to mirror the patterns of the hardscape below. Rectangular shaped patterns of stained concrete lead you down the streetscape while the shadows created by the canopy follow a similar configuration jutting in and out along the pavement.

And like previous structures built along this streetscape project, underground conflicts and overhead electrical lines challenged us every step of the way. And a relentless flow of vehicular traffic kept things interesting during construction.

What were the results of the project?

The final Type I Structure was independent, modest and elegant yet complimented the surrounding architecture of the streetscape improvements. Similar color themes and fabrics were used to tie it to the other more elaborate structures on the project. And similar to other paseos on this project, lighting was used to highlight the canopy which created a unique feel and helped to bring the Fiesta District color theme to the space. The Architect, City and end users of the space were again extremely happy with the results of the new shade structure.

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