Davidson Park is a radical transformation of a concrete carpark into a soulful, civic gathering space.
The park, located beside Harley-Davidson’s headquarters in Milwaukee, is the culmination of a collaboration between the Harley-Davidson Foundation and Heatherwick studio. The brief was to turn the joyless, utilitarian surface into an exciting community area where people can connect with nature, enjoy each other’s company, and play.
At the core of the park is “The Hub,” a 260-feet-wide (79 metres) sunken multi-use events space with tiered seating, surrounded by lush greenery. The design serves the local community, Harley-Davidson riders, and the company’s employees. The circular, amphitheatre layout features motorcycle driveways, parking bays, sidewalks, plants, timber seats, and 360-degree viewpoints.
The Hub’s paving uses locally sourced brick, including six brick patterns and 10 colours, natural waney edge timber, and weathered steel with a warm patina. Each brick motorcycle ‘bay’ is laid in a unique pattern, providing a moment of surprise to visitors. Twenty-four of the brick bays were designed in collaboration with students attending Story School and Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design’s high school. Their designs are all connected to local culture and heritage. The Near West Side neighbourhood logo, 1903 digits for the date Harley-Davidson was founded, a badger – the state animal of Wisconsin – as well as the famous Wisconsin cheese can all be found amongst the brick designs.
In one direction, The Hub offers views of the historic brick buildings that were once Harley-Davidson’s original home. In the other, visitors experience a park with 120 native plant species, including 20 tree species and 100 perennials, some of which hold sacred significance to the Forest County Potawatomi. There is also a market street, contemplative garden, nature playground, and picnic area.
Davidson Park is a radical transformation of a concrete carpark into a soulful, civic gathering space.
The park, located beside Harley-Davidson’s headquarters in Milwaukee, is the culmination of a collaboration between the Harley-Davidson Foundation and Heatherwick studio. The brief was to turn the joyless, utilitarian surface into an exciting community area where people can connect with nature, enjoy each other’s company, and play.
At the core of the park is “The Hub,” a 260-feet-wide (79 metres) sunken multi-use events space with tiered seating, surrounded by lush greenery. The design serves the local community, Harley-Davidson riders, and the company’s employees. The circular, amphitheatre layout features motorcycle driveways, parking bays, sidewalks, plants, timber seats, and 360-degree viewpoints.
The Hub’s paving uses locally sourced brick, including six brick patterns and 10 colours, natural waney edge timber, and weathered steel with a warm patina.
Each brick motorcycle ‘bay’ is laid in a unique pattern, providing a moment of surprise to visitors. Twenty-four of the brick bays were designed in collaboration with students attending Story School and Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design’s high school.
Their designs are all connected to local culture and heritage. The Near West Side neighbourhood logo, 1903 digits for the date Harley-Davidson was founded, a badger – the state animal of Wisconsin – as well as the famous Wisconsin cheese can all be found amongst the brick designs.
In one direction, The Hub offers views of the historic brick buildings that were once Harley-Davidson’s original home. In the other, visitors experience a park with 120 native plant species, including 20 tree species and 100 perennials, some of which hold sacred significance to the Forest County Potawatomi. There is also a market street, contemplative garden, nature playground, and picnic area.
