Our Design Expertise, Including Landscape Architecture, Enhances Urban Environments
The Urban Land Institute defines urban planning and design simply: it should ensure that “people, businesses, services, buildings, open spaces and infrastructure all work in harmony.”
Much attention has been paid to how open and public spaces contribute to urban design. Without aesthetically rich and functional spaces for public use, the harmony that urban design is meant to achieve will not exist.
A city does not need to exclusively rely on these public spaces to achieve that harmony. Commercial, mixed-use development and residential architecture and design can also be instrumental in this process. Otherwise, these buildings are excused from having to deeply consider their relationship to the larger urban environment.
The following projects from our Kansas City architecture firm speak to how commercial and residential landscape architecture, mixed-use, multifamily and residential properties contribute meaningfully to the environment in which they are situated, including the urban core.
Highlights from Our Commercial and Residential Architecture Portfolio
These multifamily and mixed-use projects from NSPJ Architects represent the ways we contribute to urban design by delivering concepts that suit our clients and create lasting residential and business opportunities for the larger community:
- 531 Grand: The design concept from our commercial and residential architecture firm is simultaneously enticing to consumers and intriguing for residents, while also contributing to Kansas City’s architecture and robust development. Residents enjoy a view of downtown Kansas City and the River Market from the pool and amenities, and benefit from shopping near where they live. Our design also encourages residents to become a part of the urban community through amenities concepts, including a dog wash and grooming station for pet owners who will frequent the neighborhoods on walks, alongside bike parking and bike repair stations for urban commutes and exercise. In addition, 531 Grand’s retail spaces, with their large windows and ample interiors, beckon any passersby. Both the larger community and residents feel connected to 531 Grand, which is a hallmark of good urban design.
- Centropolis on Grand: Located in the heart of Kansas City, Centropolis on Grand residents enjoy proximity to the streetcar for their work commute, entertainment, shopping and presence in their community. Steps away from the River Market dog park, this property is also closely aligned with the urban core’s thriving outdoor opportunities. This property’s exterior design intuitively matches the vitality of this iconic urban area and adds value with a unique lighting concept. Views from the outdoor spaces and balconies provide further opportunities to experience harmony with the urban environment.
-
The Donovan: The Donovan’s multifamily and landscape architecture complement the thriving city of Lee’s Summit, which continues to grow and develop its own character, just outside of Kansas City. Recipient of a Kansas City Business Journal Capstone Award in the multifamily category in 2021, this property features fountains, an exercise deck, a three-season solarium and plenty of walkable green space, as well as private pet yards. These highlights connect residents to their city, while still providing the private-community ambiance that a sought-after multifamily campus affords.
The entirety of this project converses with Lee’s Summit’s personality, which is known for its appealing commercial developments, as well as its parks and wildlife areas. Residents can quickly head to a local brewery or coffee shop, or explore conserved woods, wetlands and lakes. The Donovan’s design harmonizes with its location, the natural world and the needs of its residents, making it an exemplar of how residential architecture and design can contribute to a city’s larger urban design.
These projects from our residential landscape architecture portfolio aren’t situated in urban locales; however, they demonstrate how our work creates value for the larger community, a characteristic that echoes what any design theory, including urban design, hopes to achieve:
- A Private Pocket Park: When our clients approached us about how to create outdoor space they could enjoy in a neighborhood with houses in close proximity, we developed this solution: a low-walled private pocket park. This park, complete with fire pit, seating, tasteful landscaping and a pathway, provides an engaging, simple way to enjoy the outdoors in privacy. However, the visual appeal of this small park adds value for the neighborhood as a whole. We integrated this design into the larger neighborhood’s aesthetic, so that, although this amenity was designed for one client, this park’s visual signifiers of taste and luxury are a welcome addition for all.
- Lake of the Ozarks Luxurious Outdoor Living: This lakefront property offers ample opportunities to enjoy a relaxing vacation on the lake. Because of this luxury home’s stately position, it can also be enjoyed visually by those partaking in recreational activities on the water. Therefore, it was important to our residential architecture firm to ensure that the design enhanced the waterfront, as much as it enhances the lives of its residents. The property now accentuates the rich wooded areas that surround the home. Its grading, which was originally a steep slope, was significantly improved for both functional and aesthetic value. The water access area has been beautified for a more visually appealing relationship to the natural, public attraction that is the Lake of the Ozarks.
NSPJ Adds Value Beyond the Property Lines
At our firm for residential and commercial architecture, our first priority is delivering desirable and enduring concepts for every client. The larger environments in which we build inform our design choices, down to the use of flora and other natural features, alongside the history, tone and feel of the neighborhood. However, we don’t just consider the larger urban landscape exclusively for how it benefits our designs.
On any of our projects, whether they’re custom homes or multifamily and mixed-use properties, we consider how our work converses with a larger context for a mutually beneficial relationship. Human-centered design considers the people who will experience our completed projects, as well as those who indirectly benefit. NSPJ is not solely focused on our clients; we are stewards for the communities in which we work.
Contact our team of commercial and residential architects near you to learn more about a potential partnership for your next design.
