Honorable Mention: American Architecture Awards 2024
Lynn Wyatt Square for the Performing Arts | Houston, Texas | 2023

Architects: RIOS
Lead Architect: Peter Emerson
Executive Architects: HarrisonKornberg Architects
Lead Architects: Jessica Krug, James Harrison and Daniel Kornberg
Executive Landscape Architectural for Planting Design: Asakura Robinson
General Contractor: Manhattan Construction Company
Client: Houston First Corporation
Photographers: Pavel Bendov

Lynn Wyatt Square for the Performing Arts is a new outdoor cultural venue in Downtown Houston's Theater District. The transformed public plaza functions as a hub for a more interconnected, accessible, and inclusive green space, providing a vibrant heart for both Houstonians and visitors.

Inspired by the concept of Urban Choreography, the placemaking strategy is shaped by the dynamic movements of the performing arts. Boasting four flexible outdoor performance configurations, Lynn Wyatt Square is equipped with scalable electrical, audio, and video infrastructure to support the year-round engagement with the arts through public programming such as music, theater, dance, film, opera, art installations, and festive celebrations — operated by Houston First Corporation. A vivid color palette evokes joy and wonder through strong placemaking.

The landscape design reflects exceptional efforts towards designing a better future, focusing on climate mitigation, resiliency, biodiversity, and ecological advocacy. Once a concrete heat island, the former Jones Plaza has been reimagined into a sustainable, climate-responsive green oasis. It is now ADA accessible from all sides, activating the space for urban life and discovery.

In 2017, Hurricane Harvey flooded the former site, submerging both the above-ground area and all three levels of the 700,000 sq. ft. parking structure below. In coordination with efforts to retrofit the garage with flood barriers, our design strategy included elevating all garage air intake openings and the building's first floor to align with Houston's new 500-year flood elevation data, all while ensuring ADA accessibility and maintaining visual openness in the plaza.

The redesign, recognizing Houston's natural environment, incorporates native plants, mature live oak shade trees, and an immersive water feature to mitigate extreme heat. This offers a more comfortable outdoor space, with a 19% reduction in hardscaping and a 92% increase in plantings, including a 27% increase in trees. There's also a 60% increase in seating capacity compared to the former plaza, creating cooler spaces, improved air quality, and an expanded habitat for local flora and fauna. The revitalization ensures that its benefits are extended to residents and visitors alike.

Lynn Wyatt Square for the Performing Arts exemplifies the transformative impact of intentional and sustainable design. It prioritizes equitable access to the arts, fostering community and enhancing cultural vibrancy in a shared public space.