Buhl Community Park

After winning first place in a national competition, ACLA ushered the design for this public park, adjacent to the Pittsburgh Children`s Museum, through its opening day in 2012. The design respects and highlights the historic importance of the site at the same time as it breathes fresh life into the plaza. After reconnecting the historic city grid that was destroyed during 1960`s-era ‘urban renewal` efforts, the park is once again the public gathering area it once was for Allegheny City. Important design features such as a bioswale and native planting educate visitors about sustainability, while an interactive art installation activates the space and fosters a connection with the nearby Children`s Museum. ACLA led the design of the project, working with a team of consultants and engineers to negotiate the unique challenges of realizing this park. Collaboration with a public artist to develop the site-specific installation, fully integrated into the park, was an important aspect of the design process.