Spring 2004

Downtown Prescott

Even a place dubbed "Everybody's Hometown" needs a little improvement. Prescott, once the capitol of Arizona, is a vibrant small town with a traditional neighborhood street grid expanding from the historic courthouse square. Today, a rapidly growing population and bustling tourism economy place unanticipated strains on the local infrastructure. Ecosa students studied the evolution of their town, evaluating vestiges of the past, present needs, and future potentials to discover a range of design solutions for a healthier Prescott. In the town's alleyways, broad streets, and neglected corners, they found opportunities for bikeways, public transportation systems, infill development and more.

A bikeways proposal included reclaiming the less-trafficked downtown alleyways with properly marked routes and signals.

A modern light rail system fits comfortably into downtown's broad streets that once teemed with the commercial traffic of horse-drawn carriages.

With the much anticipated parking garage planned for the downtown many of the downtown parking lots could be reclaimed for revitalizing infill projects.

Petrified Forest Entry Stations

Architecture plays a critical role in one's experience of the National Parks. As isolated manmade constructions in expanses of wilderness these instances must respect the impressions they leave on both visitors and their surroundings. The National Park Service requested Ecosa students design new north and south entry stations to the Petrified Forest National Park in northern Arizona. Each student explored detailed ergonomic conditions, responsible and durable materials use, and sustainable building systems. The resulting buildings offer comfortable shelters to the park employees and quietly foreshadow to visitors some of the stories they might encounter in the landscape beyond.

impressions they leave on both visitors and their surroundings. The National Park Service requested Ecosa students design new north and south entry stations to the Petrified Forest National Park in northern Arizona. Each student explored detailed ergonomic conditions, responsible and durable materials use, and sustainable building systems. The resulting buildings offer comfortable shelters to the park employees and quietly foreshadow to visitors some of the stories they might encounter in the landscape beyond.

Concept with rainwater-harvesting canopies and erosion feature.
Rachel Bechhoefer

Rammed-earth concept showing strata relating to the painted desert.
Dara Merin & Javier del Castillo

Sheltering concept protects employees and visitors from the harsh desert climate.
Peter Dorrance