St. Petersburg, Florida recently accepted designs for their new pier and park on the bay. A pier has been on the spot since the 1800’s and it is considered a centerpiece of the downtown area. The three finalists for the design of the new pier were: The Pier Park by ASD Rogers Partners and Architects and Urban Designers KSLA; Destination St. Pete Pier by St, Pete Design Group; Alma by Alfonso Architects. The purpose of the pier is a gathering place for leisure and relaxation for all members of the community. The pier should stand as an icon and be flexible and provide multiple experiences (New St. Pete Pier).
Destination St. Pete presented a multi-leveled design. The lower levels were round and curved and topped by an inverted glass pyramid. The designers described multiple dining areas, shady areas to enjoy the bay, a children’s area and fishing (New St. Pete Pier). The Alma design brought together historic design elements into a more modern structure with a tower. It also boasted several dining areas, fishing and leisure areas and forma gardens (New St. Pete Pier). Both of these designs would attract visitors with the Alma design hoping to attract visitors to their fine dining room and gardens.
The Pier Park appears to be the most comprehensive of design and will function well in regards to the purposes outlined by the city. It will offer a casual bar and grill, biking, an environmental education center, fishing, boat rental and space available for special occasions. The design is both functional and breathtaking. The design is modern and clean; it is a part of the surrounding environment and not competing with the bay and shoreline. It is no surprise that this was the winning design (Moore).
Works Cited
Moore, Waveney. St. Petersburg Committee Chooses Pier Park. 23 Apr. 2015. Web 24 Jul. 2015
http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/st-petersburg-pier-committee-to-try-again-
New St. Pete Pier. Top Three Design Concepts. City of St, Petersburg, 23 Apr. 2015. Web 24
