Parklets are a growing trend in urban placemaking—public parking spaces that are converted to areas to congregate, dine and relax. This trend has been accelerated by public health guidelines during the pandemic, which in many cities mandate outdoor or take-out dining only. The City of Richmond is one of many local governments working with its business to increase their service capacity via official parklet programs.
Interactive Resources, Inc. is designing a parklet for our neighbor Kaleidoscope Coffee at 109 Park Place in Point Richmond, California, converting two parking spots in front of the café to create a fun seating and planting space, and to bring interest and encourage foot traffic. The parklet design will be submitted to the City of Richmond Planning Department. Here are a three of our initial concepts, from our designer-drafter Sabrina Richter. Let us know what you think!
- Concept 1 is inspired by New York’s High Line
- Concept 2 inspired by the window nook inside the café
- Concept 3 features an interactive concept; spin the life size kaleidoscopes to create whimsical rainbow patterns
Kaleidoscope High Line Parklet Concept View 1, CC By ND
Kaleidoscope High Line Parklet Concept View 2, CC By ND
Kaleidoscope Window Nook Parklet Concept View 1, CC By ND
Kaleidoscope Window Nook Parklet Concept View 2, CC By ND
Kaleidoscope Rainbow Parklet Concept View 1, CC By ND
Kaleidoscope Rainbow Parklet Concept View 2, CC By ND