Cultural Park

Cooper Robertson and Associates worked on a Masterplan for the Scioto Pennisula, termed the Cultural Park. The mission statement was this: "The intent of the Central Park concept is a Park design in which the open space dominates, and the buildings become "background" as subordinate to the larger whole. The Penisula is not a collection of buildings, but an integrated park."
The plan was conceived and published by Cooper Robertson and Associates in 1991, the design was to include a large open bowl (ampitheater - additionally the old Central High was to be demo'd.) facing the Supreme Courthouse on the opposite side of the Scioto. Behind the bowl would be a large central garden and behind that would be a large open area for festivals such as the Pumpkin or Tomato Festivals. Flanking the gardens and bowl would be the relocated Musuem of Art (to the south) and COSI (to the north).
Around the same time the concept for the COSI (Center of Science and Industry - childrens science museum) was to be relocated, the determination was to locate it at the penisula, where the large bowl was to be located. The building, designed by Arata Isozaki, was to use the old Central High (vacant for many years at the time). The design (see below) utilizes a large precast concrete panel system that essentially blocks Franklinton from the downtown area. While, the design is interesting, it creates a large boundry between Franklinton and downtown.
The goal is to implement both the cultural pennisula and the existing COSI building (with some interventions) with the bridge design. The intent is taht the cultural park adds a strong pedestrian element to the project, further emphasizing the intent of creating a "ramblas"/urban pedestrian boulevard where people could traverse both sides of the river.
Ariel:

Cultural Park:

COSI:

COSI: