Nakano Associates

28 Sep

September 28, 2017 | By Admin |

Join us in remembering Kenichi’s life and work at an exhibit hosted by the UW Landscape Architecture department at Gould Hall on the UW Campus. This retrospective exhibit celebrates the life and career of Kenichi Nakano and shows a portfolio of projects from his more than 40-year career. As a founder of Nakano Associates, a professor at the UW landscape Architecture Department, and a mentor to many, Kenichi helped shape the contemporary profession of landscape architecture in the Pacific Northwest.

The exhibit is open September 27- December 8, 2017.

Gould Hall
3950 University Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105

Hours:
M-W, F 12 – 5 PM
Th 12 – 7 PM
Closed Nov 10, 23, 24

An exhibit reception will take place on November 16, 2017 from 6- 8pm.

Welcome Plaza: Where Beauty Meets Function

13 Jun

By Admin

Community Completed Works Design

Welcome Plaza: Where Beauty Meets Function

June 13, 2017 | By Admin |

It was with great joy and excitement that Mayor Jill Guernsey cut the ribbon for the long-awaited opening of Welcome Plaza at Skansie Brothers Park in Gig Harbor on Thursday, June 1^st. Representatives from Nakano Associates were there to celebrate the completion of this new plaza. There is more to the plaza than meets the eye: concealed in the restroom building and under the plaza itself is a new sewer lift station, which replaces a temporary lift station that was previously located in the park. Nakano Associates, as part of the Parametrix design team, worked closely with City of Gig Harbor staff to design the plaza and Skansie Brothers Park improvements. There were a number of parameters that needed to be met in the design of the plaza.

Placemaking parameters:

Creating a civic space for gatherings and celebrations in downtown Gig Harbor
Incorporating references to Gig Harbor’s maritime history, including the relocation of the Fishermen’s Memorial
Providing universal access to the plaza and Jerisich Dock
Creating a public space that is an attraction throughout the year

Utilitarian parameters:

Integrating the lift station in historic Skansie Brothers Park
Providing vehicular access to lift station across the plaza
Concealing the lift station dry well and associated utilities

The new plaza features stone paving reminiscent of seashells or beaches, and it integrates with Skansie Brothers Park through a series of undulating steps and a pathway leading down to Jerisich Dock. Low walls and picnic tables provide ample seating for picnics or for attending a summer concert.

Working with Brett Marlo Design and architect David K. Fisher, the design team selected cohesive materials such as granite stone, cedar, concrete and stainless steel to tie the plaza and the building together.

Read more about the project and the grand opening here.

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