After deliberating over eight shortlisted proposals to reimagine the St. Petersburg Pier, the Pier Selection Committee has narrowed the competition down to three designs. Though the proposals vary widely in aesthetics, the finalists all approached the project as an opportunity to express the past while embracing modern forms and incorporating strong public programs.
Next on the agenda, the Pier Selection Committee will conduct an initial public meeting on April 23 in which finalists will present clarifications on their designs, followed later that day with a second meeting to announce the teams' rankings. Based on these proceedings, one design will be chosen for further development, in collaboration with the city. Check out the three finalists, after the break.
The following are reactions of selection committee members on the key components of each proposal.
ALMA / Alfonso Architects, inc.
“This particular presentation […] did a good job reminding of the history of the pier itself from its beginnings to where we are today, and there’s an evolution of what the pier has become to this point and potentially could be.”
Destination St. Pete Pier / St. Pete Design Group
“It’s the advantage that the current pier has that you have many views back to the city, and in fact they’re enhanced on the lower levels by taking out those concrete blocks and putting glass all the way around […] The views from the inside of the structure are improved.”
The Pier Park / Rogers Partners Architects+Urban Designers, ASD, Ken Smith
“I thought this presentation was interesting because the presenters investigated the incorporation of public places along the pier, and developed interesting park elements and a geometric form that again addressed the […] iconic requirement.”
For more information on the final proposals, visit newstpetepier.com
