Tree of Life - 6th & Main Street
Local restaurant Cocha, knew they wanted to bring their amazing menu and energy to the streets of downtown Baton Rouge. However, with limited real estate along their storefront and less than impressive blank wall peering through their restaurant windows, they would have to be creative.
We were lucky to work with such passionate business owners, making this a fun and exciting projects. After a few meetings and site visits, we were able to create a master plan that would enhance their space and communicate their vision to the city. From a large outdoor art installation to additional outdoor seating and branding, Cocha is proud to say their hard work and message is present in the urban landscape.
The Challenges:
Outdoor dining along street fronts is rare, making this the 2nd parklet in Baton Rouge, LA. After receiving the necessary permits, UCS was able to construct the 480 square foot raised stone deck along 6th street. The parklet used stone pavers to blend the existing sidewalk to the new deck and Corten steel planters were placed along the edge to create an edge condition that matches the look and feel of the current interior. Using local herbs and flowers, we lined the planters to soften the hard concrete edges that exist in urban city centers. This also tied into the soft feel and look of the adjacent mural. Creating a soft blend of nature and art along their main street corridor.
PHASE: 01
LARGE SCALE
PUBLIC ART
Start Date: November 2018
Completion Date: December 2018
PHASE: 02
OUTDOOR DINING
480 SQ FT PARKLET
Start Date: November 2019
Completion Date: December 2019
PHASE: 03
BULB OUT ON MAIN ST.
Start Date: November 2020
Completion Date: December 2022
The Process:
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02
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PHASE 01: Tree of Life
ART INSTALLATION
Location: Adjacent wall from Cocha Restaurant
DESIGN CONCEPT
The owners of Cocha wanted utilize this space to tell the illustrate the appreciation and love they have for nature and the changing seasons that inspire their rotating menu. Thinking inside out, we sat down where the customers would eat and begin to understand their experience looking out. We discovered an opportunity to expand the feeling of the narrow street by playing with shadows to create a sense of depth and continuation.
THE INSTALLATION
Once the entire wall had a new base coat, it was time to add a touch of nature and life to the space. Working through late and cold nights, the space began to take shape and offer a sense of life in an otherwise cold and concrete corner. From the rotating season found on the Tree of Life to small native animals that flock to it's energy, we were able to bring the client's vision to life and transform an otherwise overlooked space.
PHASE 02: Please have a seat
URBAN DESIGN
Location: Curbsibe of Cocha Restaurant
DESIGN CONCEPT
To expand upon the beautiful scene now sitting across from the restaurant, the owners wanted to create a usable space for their customers to sit outside their restaurant and enjoy the sun, wind, and new surrounding art. Working with the Department of Transportation, the City Council, and the DDD, we were able to design the city's second parklet, approximately 480 square feet.
THE INSTALLATION
Once the entire wall had a new base coat, it was time to add a touch of nature and life to the space. Working through late and cold nights, the space began to take shape and offer a sense of life in an otherwise cold and concrete corner. From the rotating season found on the Tree of Life to small native animals that flock to it's energy, we were able to bring the client's vision to life and transform an otherwise overlooked space.
