Case Study: Creating Public Space

Beck’s design and construction team renovated an existing pedestrian area that served as the primary circulation and open space for residents, employees and shoppers of the Domain mixed-use development in North Austin, creating a Great Lawn.

Challenge: Before the renovation, the existing landscape was a visual and physical barrier hiding many of the storefronts and limiting use of the pedestrian space.

Solution: The design team developed a strategy to open the space by creating a tree-lined promenade terminating in a central lawn, underneath a signature tensile steel shade structure, creating an inviting, active area for residents and shoppers busy from morning to night.

Challenge: Create a lively gathering space, serving as a public destination.

Solution: The central gathering space is a large lawn area with a stage for concerts and special events underneath a steel cable and fabric shade structure. It is surrounded by food trucks, outdoor dining, shaded seating, and play areas for kids.

Challenge: Exhibit intensive use on a regular basis and act as a magnet for a broad spectrum of users.

Solution: The space is shared between retail shoppers, office employees and residents from morning to night. The central lawn is open to the public and can be used anytime, and the lighted shade structure can accommodate special events into the evening. Restaurants and the theater activate the space at night.