Public Art and Open Space Steering Committee


Why was it formed?

The Public Arts and Open Space (PAOS) steering committee was formed in 2008 to help create the most-dynamic, pedestrian-friendly environment possible at the Kirkland Parkplace redevelopment. Art and public common areas are critical elements of our design plan because they establish a highly interactive experience for everyone to enjoy. They also provide vital connections to areas that surround the project.

We believe all facets of the project's proposed redevelopment should be collaborative in order to embrace a wide range of ideas from stakeholders in the Kirkland community. This input is important in our pursuit of creating what is right for the property, and moreover, enhances the overall Kirkland "experience."

What's the mission?

The mission of the PAOS steering committee is to provide a collaborative, community-based forum where ideas can be freely exchanged on the design and creation of Kirkland Parkplace's "public realm." This includes elements such as green space, public art installations, common area materials, landscaping, dynamic water features, pedestrian walkways and drive lanes along with lighting, furniture, paving and other site elements that will enhance the pedestrian experience.

Who serves on the committee?

The PAOS steering committee is comprised of a diverse group of local stakeholders who are passionate about art and Kirkland's strong sense of history and heritage. It members, who range from local arts donors and businesspeople to non-profit leaders and arts enthusiasts, are committed to enhancing the vitality of Kirkland and improving the overall experience for residents, workers and visitors to this wonderful city.

Meeting Information

The PAOS committee meets periodically to discuss the various types of art and open space elements that should be considered to enhance Kirkland Parkplace's overall project design. To request information regarding the PAOS Steering Committee, please email requests to info@envisionkirklandparkplace.com.

Meeting Reports/History

The PAOS committee last met on Wed., July 28, at the Kirkland Parkplace Management Office. The theme of the discussion was around the 3 main opportunities for integrating art and public open space into the Kirkland Parkplace redevelopment. Following are brief descriptions of these "districts."

  1. The corner of 6th and Central, called the "Gateway Area," will feature a significant art installation that will help set the tone for the project and welcome residents and visitors to the downtown core. The Gateway will also feature an atrium/breezeway space that provides a visually open pedestrian connection from the corner to the heart of the project and Peter Kirk Park. This covered walkway will feature a family friendly activity space, pedestrian lighting, seating, and trees and other landscaping.
  2. The "Central Plaza" will be the primary location for the project's landscaped areas, gathering spaces, public art, and more. It's a highly active, dynamic part of the project that will include special paving, an interactive water feature, covered and open seating, distinct lighting and accommodations for concerts and other special performances.
  3. The "Park Terrace" district will create a strong connection between Kirkland Parkplace and Peter Kirk Park, especially for pedestrians. This district will incorporate lots of landscaping, including a number of textured crosswalks to slow car traffic and ensure a safe, permeable area between Peter Kirk Park and Parkplace. The Park Terrace also will feature distinctive lighting, special pedestrian-friendly paving, plantings, stone artwork, seating, and other special features.

In total, the new Kirkland Parkplace will include some 160,000 square feet of public open space. In an effort to encourage the integration of art into the project, Touchstone is working in collaboration with representatives from the Kirkland Cultural Council and the local arts community. Some of the guidelines that Touchstone and the PAOS steering committee will use to reach these objectives include:

  • How other mixed-use projects incorporate public art and open space into their designs in places like San Diego, Venice, Rome and the Pacific Northwest
  • The potential for local artists to be commissioned to create art for the project
  • The possibility of rotating art pieces to ensure that the landscape is continuously vibrant, fresh and exciting
  • The use of light and water as artistic elements to bring life and vibrancy to the project
  • How landscaping can be designed in an emotional and artistic way
  • The type of art and / or landscaping that can be created at the corner of 6th & Central - the "Gateway" to the project and the city
  • The definition of Kirkland's artistic genre and how to intentionally incorporate that into the project