Located within the heart of greater downtown phoenix, Civic Space Park is situated between east and west bound light rail lines. The park integrates open space into the urban core where it was previously lacking. Credit: Dig Studio

The undulating shade structures support photovoltaic panels that still allow some light to pass through, and produce 75,000 kWh annually. Porous concrete, permeable pavers, and decomposed granite are used throughout the site to allow water recharge. Credit: AECOM

The site plan demonstrates how the park is integrated into the urban fabric of downtown Phoenix. The A.E. England Motor Building and Old Post Office were revitalized for new uses by ASU and community members. Credit: Dig Studio

The project, located on a 2.77-acre site in the center of downtown Phoenix, has served as a catalyst for revitalization and development since implemented. Prior to development, the site was a mixture of parking lots and buildings, which classified the site as a greyfield with no significant existing landscape features. Credit: Dig Studio

Civic Space Park offers interactive water features, an iconic overhead art installation, extensive shade structures, ramadas for picnics and gatherings, and a performance lawn with a covered stage. The park features a landmark, suspended art installation by sculptor Janet Echelman titled, “Her Secret is Patience”. Credit Dig Studio

The park is situated adjacent to two light rail lines near the downtown core, making it accessible region-wide, and providing connectivity for ASU students. Credit: AECOM

Permeable concrete sidewalk extends the Taylor Street Pedestrian Mall from ASU across Civic Center Park, better connecting the main ASU campus buildings to the Sun Devil Fitness Complex and nearby light rail stop. Credit: AECOM

The sculpture and recycling water feature are placed strategically at the intersection of the main circulation paths to maximize their visibility and impact. Splash pad water jets work with in-ground LEDs to run color sequences. Energy-efficient LED lights throughout the park illuminate the space.

Included in the project is the restored historic A.E. England Motors building which has a public community room on the top floor. The building also contains a coffee shop, a small clothing retailer and restrooms. Adjacent to the coffee shop is a sunken eating area with movable chairs, tables, and vibrantly-lit water walls. Credit: AECOM

Preservation and restoration of the A.E. England Building included the addition of a public exhibition hall, below grade retail and patio space, and other amenities. Credit: AECOM

The basement plaza of the renovated A.E. England Motors building features seating for the adjacent Fair Trade Cafe. A lighted water-wall fountain provides a place of respite and mutes noise from adjacent auto traffic. Credit: AECOM

An outdoor stage attached to the back of the A.E. England Building hosts live music and movie events throughout the year. Credit: Arizona Central

A celebration of creative, adaptive re-use, the historic post office building now serves as the ASU student union, while continuing to offer a retail postal function, at the request of the local community. Fitness activities like yoga are hosted on the lawn in front of the student union on the first Saturday of each month for Civic Space Health Days. Credit: Dig Studio

Using a combination of shade trees and undulating shade structures, the design will shade 70% of the site at full maturity. Credit: Dig Studio

Stormwater is collected and filtered into a groundwater infiltration system, preserving all water that falls on the site. Credit: AECOM

The ‘urban weave’ design concept creates flexible and interesting spaces for diverse user groups. Credit: AECOM

The park hosts an average of 43 free public events per year, including movie screenings, concerts, art galleries, and wellness events like community yoga. Credit: Jacob Tyler Dunn

Food trucks are hosted on the main plaza each Friday, with seating under the nearby shade structure. Credit: Dig Studio