A new plan for Symphony Woods
The Inner Arbor Trust is revising its plans for Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods to reflect new realities.
merriweatherpark
No sophomore slump for OPUS Merriweather
OPUS Merriweather 2018 repeated the success of last year and improved upon it.
Now that the Chrysalis has been created
I have some final thoughts after completing my series on the Chrysalis and the background to its creation.
Creating the Chrysalis: Timeline
A timeline of significant events in the history of the Chrysalis and its surroundings, from 1962 to the present, with references.
Creating the Chrysalis: Details, details
Getting the details right on the Chrysalis, featuring Living Design Lab and Mahan Rykiel Associates.
Creating the Chrysalis: What comes next
Now that construction of the Chrysalis is complete, what are the next steps to fulfill the vision of Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods?
Creating the Chrysalis: Attracting the public
I discuss how the Chrysalis and Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods can attract visitors, based on research conducted by Integrated Insight.
Creating the Chrysalis: Subfloor and related construction
I present more details on the Chrysalis foundation/basement or “subfloor” and related construction, featuring the work of Whiting-Turner.
Creating the Chrysalis: Shell skin
I explain how the skin of the Chrysalis was fabricated and installed by A. Zahner Company.
Creating the Chrysalis: Shell structure
I explore the steel frame underlying the skin of the Chrysalis, as designed by the structural engineering group of Arup.
Creating the Chrysalis: Theater
I discuss how the Chrysalis will function as a professional stage, as designed by the theater consulting group of Arup.
Creating the Chrysalis: Design
I explore the design of the Chrysalis and the work of Marc Fornes, its designer.
Creating the Chrysalis: Politics and process
I discuss the various institutional activities related to implementation of the Inner Arbor plan
Creating the Chrysalis: Vision and strategy
I explore the vision for a new park in Symphony Woods and the strategy to implement it
Creating the Chrysalis: Symphony Woods
I recap the history of Symphony Woods and the various attempts over the years to develop it as a park.
Creating the Chrysalis: Introduction
In this series I explore the conception and construction of the Chrysalis amphitheater and Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods.
The Chrysalis and Its Cousins
As construction of the Chrysalis amphitheater begins, I look again at the structure and its architect.
Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods plans approved
I testify in support of the plan for Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods and the Planning Board approves it (note that correlation is not causation).
I support the plan for Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods
Dear Planning Board, I support SDP-14-073, the site development plan for Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods, and you should too. (signed) Frank
Chrysalis designer wins World Architecture News 21 for 21 award
Yet another indication that the Inner Arbor Trust did a good job of selecting its design team.
Promoting the Inner Arbor plan
I lay out some thoughts on how best to promote the Inner Arbor plan for Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods.
On the Inner Arbor plan, listen to the people, not the protestors
There is a “silent supermajority” in Columbia in favor of the Inner Arbor plan for Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods.
Talking about the Inner Arbor plan at Wine in the Woods
Guess what? Ordinary people in Columbia and Howard County like the Inner Arbor plan for Merriweather Park at Symphony Woods.
A better plan for Symphony Woods
If you really want to “save Symphony Woods” then the Inner Arbor plan is the best one on offer.
Five thoughts on Symphony Woods
Some semi-random thoughts about Symphony Woods and the controversy over its future.
Symphony Woods and sacred lands
Why is the controversy over Symphony Woods so heated? Because at least in part it’s about questions of “sanctity” and “violation”.
Parking at venues comparable to Merriweather Post Pavilion
How parking is handled at Jiffy Lube Live and other venues comparable to Merriweather Post Pavilion.
Parking and the future of Merriweather Post Pavilion
Merriweather Post Pavilion will continue to be a centerpiece of downtown Columbia. But where are Merriweather visitors going to park?
Two visions for Symphony Woods
Is Symphony Woods really an untouched (and by implication untouchable) piece of natural woodlands? I think not.
The Howard County Design Advisory Panel approves the Inner Arbor plan
You already know that I like the Inner Arbor plan. Now you know that the Howard County Design Advisory Panel like it too.
The Inner Arbor plan takes shape, part 9: Piecing together the Chrysalis
This post continues my ongoing series on the evolution of the Inner Arbor plan, this time looking at the Chrysalis amphitheatre.
The Inner Arbor plan takes shape, part 8: Revising the plan
In this post in my ongoing Inner Arbor series I look at revisions to previously-proposed designs.
The Inner Arbor plan takes shape, part 7: The Butterfly
Metamorphosis produces the Butterfly, as I conclude my comments on the features of the Inner Arbor plan as presented at the pre-submission meeting on Decembe...
The Inner Arbor plan takes shape, part 6: The Chrysalis
After the Caterpillar comes the Chrysalis, as I continue my comments on the Inner Arbor plan. For context and more information see other posts in this series...
The Inner Arbor plan takes shape, part 5
I now turn to the most prominent features in the Inner Arbor plan, starting with the Caterpillar. For context and more information see other posts in this se...
The Inner Arbor plan takes shape, part 4
Today I focus on the Picnic Table and the Lily Pads as I continue my look at structures and other features proposed as part of the Inner Arbor plan. For more...
The Inner Arbor plan takes shape, part 3
Today I look at the proposed structures and other features proposed for Symphony Woods as part of the Inner Arbor plan presented at the pre-submission meetin...
The Inner Arbor plan takes shape, part 2
After reviewing concerns expressed about the Inner Arbor plan, it’s now time to take a closer look at the proposed design. Andrew Metcalf has done a great br...
The Inner Arbor plan takes shape, part 1
Last Tuesday night the Inner Arbor Trust revealed a clearer picture of what’s they’re proposing for downtown Columbia. I attended the pre-submission meeting,...