An early step in the design project that became Tleboletsa Park was to explore creating quick, non-precious concept models. My concepts evolved from studying the site itself, an assigned mystery material (a doorknob), and the outline of the site in the “Section 6(f) Environmental Evaluation” from WSDOT and FHA.
3W = Wall, Window, Walkway
The site outline reminded me of a keyhole, which fit with the doorknob mystery material. In thinking of a closed door, I realized its form is also that of a wall. Once opened and viewed passively, it is like a window. Depending on the context, it could be a window to the future of the site, the past, or even different design possibilities. Finally, when moving through a door, it becomes a walkway, taking you across the threshold to what lays beyond.
3P = People, Planet, Profit
In studying the site outline, I also noticed it could be divided into two roughly 
triangular shapes. A triangle has three sides, and a popular sustainability concept for some corporations is the “triple bottom line,” in which you strive to strike a balance between fair treatment of people, protections for the environment, and profit margins. Whether or not such balance is possible, I feel that People and Planet should receive the most attention, so I have placed the triangle to be on its point, such that if either People or Planet fall short, Profit will tumble.
3R = Resilient, Restorative, Regenerative
There are many cycles and recycles occurring in and around the site. The salmon go out to sea, only to return and die while giving life to the next generation. Ships flow in and out of the ship canal, and people flow in and out of Sakuma Viewpoint. The site is part of local hydrology, with surface runoff and sewer drains leading stormwater away to CSOs, which drain into the channel. The site also takes part, as it must, in global biogeochemical cycles. A Resilient design will last against human use, climate change, and invasive species. A Restorative design will improve water and air quality, providing quality habitat, especially for salmon and pollinators. Combine the two and one might achieve a Regenerative design, self-sustaining while improving the health of the overall landscape, in an upwards spiral of continuous improvement.
