Agua Parklet

Role: Structural designer and engineer

Skills: Structural design, parametric modeling, mechanical drawings, coordination with fabrication shop, materials research

A project of the Exploratorium's Studio for Public Spaces installed at Valencia and 23rd, the parklet Agua's form is based on the shape a raindrop takes as it impacts a hard surface and deforms. The parklet integrates exhibits exploring water use in the Bay Area and houses built-in planters that are watered through wicks using capillary action. I designed the forms of the benches and canopy parametrically in Revit, creating an interlocking three dimensional structure. I designed the base weldment in Inventor, building a steel structure that could support the weight of the parklet but was easy to install and remove. The initial NSF grant for the project was for a two year installment, but the community loved it so much, it remains in place five years later.

Agua from Valencia Street.

Water use exhibits.

Plan view of the parametric modeled benches.

Each bench profile was set to 5 splines which dictated the final shape.

I designed the base weldment to be modular and so the parklet can be disassembled and reassembled easily.

The benches were made from a concrete fabric which molded to the organic curves.