Substance Architecture

Principal Riverwalk Pavilion

Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby

Principal Riverwalk Pavilion 

Substance Architecture

CONTRACTOR
Covenant Construction Services

MANUFACTURERS
Bradley Corporation Usa, Bliss Nor-am, Fsb Franz Schneider Brakel, Icynene, C.w. Cole & Co., Concrete, Ipe, Lighting Solutions, Vmzinc

CONSULTANTS
Kjww Engineering Consultants, Charles Saul Engineering, Stanley Consultants, Wallace Roberts & Todd

OWNER
City Of Des Moines

PHOTOGRAPHS
Paul Crosby

AREA
2500 Ft²

YEAR
2013

LOCATION
Des Moines, United States

CATEGORY
Public Space

This 2,200 square foot pavilion and plaza occupy a prominent site along the Des Moines River in downtown Des Moines, Iowa.

Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby

The building is a key part of the new Principal Riverwalk – a $50 million public/private partnership which will revitalize the riverfront and draw Des Moines’ residents back to the river.

The building sits adjacent to a new recreational trail, street level promenade and riverfront promenade anchoring the west end of the historic Court Avenue Bridge.

Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby

The triangular building was conceived as a crystalline space resting at the prow of a gently sloping, boat-shaped plaza formed by the adjacent trails, streets and promenades.

This crystal is, in turn, shrouded by a folded black zinc skin. This skin is selectively unfolded to provide panoramic views out of the upper level café.

Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby

The resulting roof overhangs provide solar protection to the buildings east and south façades. The west façade is “louvered” to allow for views upriver to the north while blocking the harsh, western sun.

The interior of the café is a single, glass dining space with a solid concrete “chimney” to the south and a wood and steel “kitchen” block to the west.

Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby

The placement of these two elements allows the east, riverfront façade to be completely unobstructed while framing views to the southern plaza. This crystalline café appears to hover above a set of service spaces excavated out of the plaza.

These lower level spaces include public restrooms and a central hand-wash fountain, as well as electrical and mechanical spaces. The building activates the public plaza and creates an understandable “place”.

Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby

The architect worked with the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation and internationally recognized artist, Jun Kaneko, to locate site specific artwork to further energize this space.

This series of large-scale ceramic works, called Dangos, have become iconic.

Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby

The building employs a number of sustainable and energy conservation strategies including geothermal heating and cooling, daylight harvesting, and LED lighting, significantly reducing both operating and life-cycle costs. The result is a destination that successfully draws the citizens of Des Moines back to the river.


Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
© Paul Crosby


Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
Floor Plans
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
Axonometric


Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
Diagram


Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
Elevation 1
Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
Elevation 2


Principal Riverwalk Pavilion
Section

Substance Architecture
T +1 515 2434407 F +1 515 2434692
Substance Architecture
1300 Walnut St #201, Des Moines, IA 50309, United States