The Sheraton Seattle asked GGN to enhance the pedestrian experience along a pre-existing structural wall that presented a block-long, blank concrete facade. GGN's design response was to "borrow" key pedestrian assets from across the street and to playfully simulate a traditionally two-sided street. A series of massive mirror panels -- emulating vertical, historic architectural bays in scale and proportion -- are strategically placed to present the illusion of rich historic facades on the face of the simple concrete wall. The width of the panels subtly offers the familiar module of storefront windows to passing pedestrians. The mirrors also "double" the apparent pedestrian activity on the treated side of the street.
To balance the mirrors with reality, they are framed by rustic texture and seasonal interest, provided by vines that will soon grow to clad the remaining concrete facade. Pedestrian canopies are also added to the scene, to shelter the sidewalk, create a comfortable scale against the wall, and to field vibrant lighting at night.
To balance the mirrors with reality, they are framed by rustic texture and seasonal interest, provided by vines that will soon grow to clad the remaining concrete facade. Pedestrian canopies are also added to the scene, to shelter the sidewalk, create a comfortable scale against the wall, and to field vibrant lighting at night.
