Jason Reece

Overland Park, KS USA

| Concept Statement |

The inherent BEAUTY of the built environment is that it is derived from an evolving CULTURE that desires change.  Context provides a backdrop for a new generation to impress its FINGERPRINT upon that environment.  Our responsibility is to do so out of RESPECT, not out of convenience.

Our proposal is reflective of the surrounding environment primarily through the use of glass.  As both mirrored and translucent elements, there is a purity in reflecting the surrounding context not just today, but through eternity.  As new “fingerprints” are added, they join a forever changing context imposed on the landscape by future generations.  Perceived reflections of the environment are dependant on our viewing angle and the sun, both of which are in motion.

The design reflects a mix of residential, retail, and office space.  There are 96 residential units, 26K sf of retail space, and 84K sf of office space.  Parking is located underground and will be shared by all users.

Our conceptual approach to the competition reviewed the potential of the cargo containers’ ability to be transformed not only into multi-family dwellings, but also as key building components for retail and office space.  In particular we explored the ability to unify the development by the repetitive use of the container as a means to establish cohesive forms in an existing context.

Our intent is to promote similar development in surrounding parcels that in time establish a broader sense of COMMUNITY beyond just our development.