EAST NINTH STREET

Derek Porter Studio was nominated and subsequently juried to be part of a team charged with envisioning enhancements to East Ninth Street in Lawrence, Kansas by the City of Lawrence and the Lawrence Art Center. Architect El dorado, landscape designer Coen + Partners, Sans Facon and two other artists worked together to develop concepts for a seven-block length of residential streetscape. With the goal of building upon an already vibrant community, the design team curated a series of interventions - bikes lanes, plantings, new infrastructure, seating and artwork – all with a lite touch toward elevating existing conditions. A bike trail connecting with the Williams Burroughs Trail was one among many of the specific initiatives developed to celebrate the cultural and historical character of the neighborhood.

Derek Porter Studio designed an innovative series of light poles with multiple aimable elements and motion sensors. These unique custom fixtures were used to unify street, and as rhythmic markers to queue occupants to the multiplicity of features along the streetscape - pathways, intersections, porches, planting, art locations and gathering spaces. In addition to illuminance interests along the path, the physical features of the light poles, including material choices and scale, were carefully considered in order to integrate into the creative, cultural sensibility of the neighborhood. We also assisted the other artists with lighting elements to bring focus to their specific projects.

Artist: Derek Porter
Architect: El Dorado
Digital Rendering: El Dorado
Photographer: Derek Porter

Details
Lawrence, Kansas
Open regional call, jury selected
Unbuilt