“Design is a funny word. Some people think design means how it looks. But of course, if you dig deeper, it’s really how it works.”

— Steve Jobs

Here at Studio Outside, we’re excited to introduce our Second Nature Initiative. Second Nature is a socially and ecologically focused initiative, based within the Studio Outside design firm. We are passionate about public interest design and we want to create a positive impact in our community. You might say it comes as second nature to us. Our vision is to take a thoughtful look at what is happening in our city, our neighborhood and right in our backyard, and our aim is to discover where a few engaged landscape architects can collaborate with like-minded entities and members of the local community to make a positive lasting influence.

So what exactly does Studio Outside’s ‘Second Nature’ look like? It could take the form of a small-scale intervention or community project, similar to Little Free Libraries or (PARK)ing Day. Or possibly, it could be an ongoing large scale study, researching the current built environment and cultural history of our office neighborhood. Right now we are working on the organization and structure of process and are very much in a ‘defining and discovery’ phase.

View down an alley along Parry Ave. All photographs by Charlie Pruitt.

Looking towards downtown along South 2nd Ave and Oak Lane. — Looking towards downtown along South 2nd Ave and Oak Lane.

Most recently, we have been exploring our neighborhood, Deep Ellum and Exposition Park. By wandering around, we are discovering the unique character, new favorite spaces and places, and recognizing potential opportunities.

Looking across an urban meadow to the East bound entrance of I-30. — Looking across an urban meadow to the East bound entrance of I-30.

Rail line remnant between Commerce Street and Exposition Avenue.

We are very excited about Second Nature, but this initiative is still in its infancy. We will be exploring as we go, this is a journey and we are excited to share with you as it continues to develop. We’ll will be posting updates on our progress and research as it comes along!

Yesterday, I got a chance to visit the month-old Continental Avenue Bridge, Dallas' most recent highway-to-walkway park conversion and one small piece of a larger vision for the Trinity River floodplain in the coming years. A couple of Studio Outsiders were competing for the Dallas Major-League Bocce championship title at literally the highest level of competition in their sport in the DFW area, so Charlie and I decided to come cheer them on and see a new landscape project while we were at it.

Designed by Wallace Roberts and Todd, the formerly four-lane vehicular bridge is now a linear pedestrian plaza, dotted with active and passive areas for chess, water play, play structures, relaxation, bicycling, running, and of course bocce ball.

From WRT:

“[We] helped guide the preparation of multiple concepts for the bridge, leading to a preferred design consisting of a raised promenade flanked by bicycle and transit lanes. The promenade contains tilted planes, green walls, movable seating, and special lighting in support of vendors as well as gatherings and performances.”

The park not only serves as a great pedestrian amenity close to downtown, but also as a great place to view and explore the Trinity River Basin including levee trails and the Calatrava Bridge. As you'll see below, it's also a perfect place to watch incoming storms!

Ellen and Allison laser focused on winning the 'ship - and YES, they made the finals.

Bocce is a sport of precision. No messing around.

The Continental Bridge runs just parallel to the often polarizing but undeniably striking Calatrava bridge.

p.s. - apparently Allison and Ellen's team have also won a "regional" championship in oak cliff and proudly display their trophy at work. So here it is, in all its glory. May we all be half as successful as you guys at one point in our lives.