Armenia has set an initiative to increase global tourism and develop a site within its capital city with majestic views of Mount Ararat, where Noah’s Ark is purported to have landed. SWA developed a strategic plan based on several principles derived from the existing context of the site: first, to capitalize its proximity to important landmarks that allow for visual and physical links; second, to position land use strategically; third, to reference “Noah” with a museum plaza; fourth, to leverage graded topography for walkability and strategically hidden parking; fifth, to create an internal pedestrian loop; and lastly, to reference historical orchards throughout the site. The resulting vision creates a dynamic mixed-use public realm engaged in dining, entertainment, arts, and history within districts that represent the various cultural regions of Armenia.
NOAH is an integrated district that is viewed as a reverent destination and draws on the rich traditions of Armenian culture to preserve, celebrate, and promote the spirit of the Armenian people.
OCT Bay
Located in Shenzhen, OCT Bay has a combined site area of approximately 1.25 square kilometers including equal parts new urban center and nature preserve. SWA provided both master planning and landscape architectural services for the entire site. As a new urban cultural and entertainment destination, OCT Bay provides urban amenities, entertainment components, p...
Envision Willowick
The Cities of Garden Grove and Santa Ana are developing a “vision” for redevelopment of the Willowick Golf Course site. This process explored conceptual land use options that are formed by community and stakeholder collaboration and input. The Visioning is intended to be used to guide the preparation of development plans for Willowick. The visioning...
Halperin Park
Halperin Park (previously known as Southern Gateway Park) caps Highway 35 in South Dallas directly adjacent to the Dallas Zoo and the Oak Cliff neighborhood. The park’s design effectively reconnects the neighborhood, which was cleaved by the highway’s construction many decades ago.
Recognizing the reunification’s significance, the cap park design introd...
Houston Resilience Hub Network Master Plan
The Houston Resilience Hub Network Master Plan aims to mitigate the disproportionate impact of disasters on vulnerable communities by establishing a network of strategically located facilities. These hubs offer vital resources and support during routine operations, emergencies, and recovery phases.
The network comprises four interconnected components: H...