Gateway to Manhattan
Patrick McCaffery
The Gateway proposal is driven by the opportunity to enhance the visual threshold of our community as visitors and residents travel across the Kansas River, thinking about what is going to be greeting them as they make their approach. Through the visual interest of the proposed pedestrian bridge, the entrance to Manhattan is improved. The forms incorporated throughout the design are meant to serve as an additive to the newer development of the city (Discovery Center, Blue Earth Plaza, etc.). Additionally, the forms exhibited in the Riverfront Destination, which serves as a connection to Fairmont Park and waterfront activation, are to have strong visual appeal from the traffic on K-177. This, of course, is the overall objective of the proposal, to send a progressive message about our diverse community to all those traveling into or out of Manhattan, KS.
Figure 13.1 Site Plan
The amenities included within the design of the Riverfront Destination are carefully organized and placed with respect to water levels to encourage continued use throughout the season as the river fluctuates.
Figure 13.2 Section
The site provides opportunities for larger event gatherings as well as individual exploration by increasing accessibility to the waterfront. The site also encourages human interaction with the surrounding natural systems, namely tall grasses and flooding, which have been key components of Manhattan’s identity throughout its history.
Figure 13.3 Focus Area Plan
The space serves as a transition to Fairmont Park, thus increasing foot traffic among those trails. Multiple landings for the pedestrian bridge allow continued access to the bridge as river levels rise. The Riverfront Destination is designed with different levels to draw users toward the river to engage with the water. The new experience of the river is one that rejuvenates the sequence of outdoor spaces in Manhattan.
Figure 13.4 Aproach to fishing dock
Figure 13.5
References
Cover Figure
Street View of the Bridge crossing Kansas River and Downtown Manhattan. Google Earth. Manhattan, KS. 39d10’30.30”N 96d33’26.13”E. Accessed April 27, 2017. Manhattan Welcomes You Sign. Photo by Author. February 3, 2017. Pedestrian Bridge. Graphic from Lumion, prepared by Author. April 29, 2017. “Big Trees Group 1.” Digital image. Cutout Trees. Accessed April 30, 2017. https://www.cutout-trees.com/products/cutout-trees.“The Aft ernoon Sun and the Sky.” Digital image. Deviant Art. Accessed April 30, 2017. http://shalalashaani.deviantart.com/art/Th e-aft ernoon-Sun-and-the-Sky-179887764.
Figure 13.1
Linework and Graphic, prepared by Author. Adobe Products. Aerial View of Kansas River and Downtown Manhattan. Google Earth. Manhattan, Ks. 39d10’30.30”N96d33’26.13”E. Accessed April 25, 2017.
Figure 13.2
Pedestrian Bridge and Riverfront Destination Graphic, prepared by Author. Sketch Up. Adobe Products. April 29, 2017.“Section Trees.” Digital image. Beta Architecture. Accessed April 28, 2017. http://www.beta-architecture.com/lanscape-park-disposal-project-delva-landscape-architects/.
Figure 13.3
Riverfront Destination Plan, prepared by Author. Adobe Products. Aerial View of Kansas River and Downtown Manhattan. Google Earth. Manhattan, Ks. 39d10’30.30”N96d33’26.13”E. Accessed April 25, 2017.
Figure 13.4
Riverfront Destination Fishing Dock from Lumion, prepared by Author. April 29, 2017. “Big Trees Group 1.” Digital image. Cutout Trees. Accessed April 30, 2017. https://www.cutout-trees.com/products/cutout-trees.“People for Photoshop.” Digital image. Littleandlarge Design. Accessed April 30, 2017. http://lauren-littleandlargedesign.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/people-for-photoshop.html.“The Aft ernoon Sun and the Sky.” Digital image. Deviant Art. Accessed April 30, 2017. http://shalalashaani.deviantart.com/art/Th e-aft ernoon-Sun- and-the-Sky-179887764.
Figure 13.5
Riverfront Destination Fishing Dock from Lumion, prepared by Author. April 29, 2017. “Big Trees Group 1.” Digital image. Cutout Trees. Accessed April 30, 2017. https://www.cutout-trees.com/products/cutout-trees.“People for Photoshop.” Digital image. Littleandlarge Design. Accessed April 30, 2017. http://lauren-littleandlargedesign. blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/people-for-photoshop.html. “Th e Aft ernoon Sun and the Sky.” Digital image. Deviant Art. Accessed April 30, 2017. http://shalalashaani.deviantart.com/art/Th e-aft ernoon-Sun- and-the-Sky-179887764.“Boardwalks PNG.” Digital image. Deviant Art. Accessed April 30, 2017. http://evelivesey.deviantart.com/art/Boardwalks-PNG-389882237.“Single Tree.” Digital image. Accessed April 30, 2017. http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/750x/37