A parklet is a sidewalk extension that provides more space and amenities for people using the street. Usually parklets are installed on parking lanes and use several parking spaces. The term parklet was not recognized by spellcheck at the time this project was designed and built.

The organizers of the Preserve Iowa Summit in Winterset, Iowa, asked architects from around the state to design and build parklets for the community and Summit participants to use during the three day event.

While the Summit emphasizes historic structures, Preserve Iowa believed this gathering could benefit from experiencing a relatively new design concept that is be employed in many major cities as a way to reclaim the streetscape for people.

ASK Studio choose to design and build a parklet that loosely references the storied bridge structures in the County of Madison and its county seat, Winterset. The design not only made use of historicism as an architectural form maker, it also considered sense of space, circulation and delight. The design was a Studio wide effort and the build also was the result of all thirteen members of the Studio—plus a few construction “ringers”. We believe our efforts taught us about community and taught a community about the delight that can be reclaimed in small, thoughtful parcels.

 

Location: Winterset, IA

Program:  Pro Bono Advancement of Architectural Ideas

Area: 200 SF

Client: Preservation Iowa

Photo Credits: Cameron Campbell Integrated Studio