Winterscape
New York
2018
A canal based winterscape prototype. This project innovatively reimagines the Erie Canal's winter landscape by repurposing it into a dedicated recreational space. A floating pontoon system, strategically positioned along select stretches of the canal, offers a diverse array of activities, ranging from pond hockey to wintertime festivals. Mirroring the fluidity of a traveling circus, the pontoon system relocates to a fresh host location within the canal each season, reviving traditional winter pastimes in an era of less predictable cold temperatures. In collaboration with Clare Lyster, CLUUA.
Map of hydrological system that makes up the Erie Canal. The canal comprises of 36 locks that negotiate an elevation of 571 feet. The western part of the canal from Macedon (between Rochester and Lyons) to Lockport is a channelized system with 12 guard gates to control water flow. A suitable area for the design has been identified near Rochester. Diagram created by John Leano.
5 Mile Zoom- Located between guard gates 9 and 10, this area is well served with various road, rail, and park trail networks. Three large parks flank the canal as well a fourth larger park (Mendon) just south of the area.
1 Mile Zoom- The Great Embankment Park is an important landmark of the Erie Canal containing existing service pavilions and parking structures. The canal portion adjacent to the park is composed of a poured in place concrete trough.
The proposed pontoon structure fills the width of the canal adjacent to the park doubling as a pedestrian bridge in this location. This connects the popular Crescent Park Trail and Erie Canal Heritage Trail. When its cold enough, the water in this zone naturally freezes, allowing an expanded use of the space.
Sections
Elevation 01: Sauna
Aerial View
Phasing
12 modules (30’ x 105’) allow the project to be floated to its host location from a storage facility where the pontoons are kept during the summer. The size mimics standard barge dimensions, ensuring the pontoon system fits through the guard gates
The design is zoned into five modular activity areas. These can be swapped around depending on the host location. The zones can be progressively added over a five year period as the project gains popularity.
Details
System components.
Surface: Vinyl Decking
Surface: Glice Synthetic Ice Panel
View of saunas. Rendering in collaboration with Dalton Kay.
View of ice rink and firepits. Rendering in collaboration with Dalton Kay.
View of communal seating and entrance. Rendering in collaboration with Dalton Kay.