Transform a community through amplifying access to nature — that is a vision (and a challenge) that caught our attention.
The Trust for Public Land (TPL) has a bold master plan for over 100 miles of trails and green spaces along the Chattahoochee RiverLands to revitalize one of the most endangered rivers in America into Georgia’s most defining public space.
“Meet you at the river!” is a phrase that TPL envisions will become a new common vernacular in one of America’s largest cities–Atlanta, Georgia. DELV was brought in to help curate and design a camp + paddle experience that would run along 48 (of the 100) miles of the Chattahoochee Riverlands.
We began with the goal to create efficient, separate restrooms and shower rooms, organized in a layout that would allow for future expansion.
Two porches surround the restroom core block to serve as circulation, spaces for gathering, and spaces for pause. The canopy provides cover and an architectural statement.
Lifted and separated canopy roof reduces the solar heat gain in occupied spaces below and allows air flow through the structure for passive cooling. The Roof slope mimics the site slope to match drainage patterns.
The expressed structure creates a timeless aesthetic through simple materials of wood and steel that form connections to existing historic structures in the area.
Aluminum angle screen walls provide shade for interior pavilion spaces during daytime and becomes a lantern at night.
Integrating utility into the design was a priority. Amenities include site furniture, camp sink and counter, drinking fountains, bottle fillers, hooks for clothes and equipment, storage shelving, and changing bench.
A humble material palette of wood, natural metal, concrete masonry units, and painted wayfinding were elevated with contemporary detailing, harmonizing with both the historic and natural context of the Chattahoochee landscape.
