Slack Plaza Redesign Unveiled

The Environmental Protection Agency along with Origin 4 Design released the final report this week on the Greening the Nation's Capitals program in Charleston, West Virginia.  Charleston was one of five cities to pilot the national program.  The program emphasied sustainable strategies for improved infrastructure and community while enhancing economic benefits to the areas served.  The final report can be viewed on the EPA's offical program website. 

The above photo illustrates the existing conditions of Slack Plaza: a barren, concrete expanse in the heart of Downtown Charleston.  The current plaza has little activity or visual interest and is often criticized for its undesirable elements of crime, uninviting seating, and conflicting uses as transportation hub and pedestrian thoroughfare.

The proposed design concept, below, illustrates the potential for a vibrant civic space filled with art, activity, interest, and clear seperation of active and passive uses, including improved (and relocated) transportation and a more defined thoroughfare.

Origin 4 Design is excited to have participated in a nationally recognized revitalization effort.  We would like to thank the individuals at the EPA and in Charleston who helped make the conceptual project a success.  We are looking forward to continuing our relationship with the City of Charleston to advance implementation efforts.