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Hawkins-Edwards Office Building
Spokane, Washington
Completed 2004
Purpose:
The
Hawkins-Edwards Office Building Courtyard provides a multi-use space
that can be enjoyed by the owners, employees, and the public. The
courtyard adds to Spokane’s heritage identity through high quality urban
design.
Context:
The site
is located on Main Street between Bernard and Browne streets in a
diverse section of Spokane’s downtown. The Hawkins-Edwards building is
positioned amongst restaurants, businesses, housing, with access to
entertainment venues.
Quality of
Life and Urban Design Elements:
The design
intent of the Hawkins-Edwards Office Building was to emulate the
architecture and design style of Spokane’s Age of Elegance. As a result,
Hawkins-Edwards embraces the detail and formality of the design quality
deriving from the early 20th century. The courtyard provides
the public the opportunity to use the space for a variety of activities.
The courtyard’s unique character makes it a desirable location for
wedding and senior pictures and frequented by design students. The
offices flanking the courtyard utilize the space for outdoor barbeques
and gatherings.
The
semi-public courtyard is the link between the sidewalk to the north and
the associated parking area adjacent to the alley to the south. The
courtyard connects these two public spaces which ties the
Hawkins-Edwards Office Building into Spokane’s urban fabric.
The design
aesthetic of the Hawkins-Edwards Office Building draws a parallel
directly with the existing buildings in Spokane’s downtown. The
attention to detail in the courtyard enhances the human scale and place
identity. This courtyard reflects details of a time period that was
influenced by craftsman and artisans these essentials include: The
paving in the courtyard which incorporates three patterns: an intricate
fan and simple parquet and a radial pattern. The patterns compliment
each other and the shape of the courtyard. Wrought iron fencing was used
to allow persons walking by, the opportunity to view into the courtyard
at the same time defines the periphery of the courtyard. This
period detail creates a sense of enclosure for its users. Accessible
access is at an on grade portal that is was created through a wrought
iron arch linking two brick columns. A grand stair case provides access
to the rear parking area as well as the city public way. The connection
of these areas is pivotal to the overall circulation and functionality
of the site. A seating area provides a pedestal for a focal point
specimen tree, which, is showcased by up-lighting. Lighting throughout
the site enhances the aesthetic quality, spotlighting design features,
and the overall safety of the users of the Hawkins-Edwards Courtyard.
The variety of plantings adds a high level of texture that is in
contrast and provides a greenscape to the predominant use of brick.
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