Redwing Bandshell Project

For this project we were asked to design a park band shell within a site plan and conceptual framework proposed by landscape architects Coen + Partners for Red Wing’s Central Park, located where the city grid shifts, reflecting a bend in the Mississippi River. The park is a significant component of the city’s green infrastructure. The band shell embodies the concepts of “revisiting and exposing,” and consists of a simple forest canopy reminiscent of the historical elm grove in the park, with the existing elm, maple and oak trees interspersed within the pattern. A porous vine screen is planted behind the new band shell anchoring the north edge of the park. The inverted arc circulation system is reminiscent of the existing system and creates an adjacent green lawn. Stone columns support a wooden canopy on the sides of the stage with both green and flowering vines. The columns also support a wood canopy structure for the stage, which houses the lighting and acoustic needs for the band shell. At the ground level, the stage is elevated and clad in local stone. The adjacent spaces contain a simple and colorful garden with aggregate base. These areas can be used as entries to the park, for additional seating, and as staging space for the band shell. The overall dimensions of the stage are 40 feet wide by 35 feet deep.