WAWA PARKLET
2015, Massachusetts College of Art & Design
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This project design began with the idea of a break spot for a town’s favorite convenience store, Wawa, in the form of a modified parklet, which is typically a temporary gathering space designed within the confines of a parallel parking spot in an urban setting.
In considering Wawa’s importance to the local community as a multi-purpose convenience store for a coffee run, quick lunch run, or any break in between, the concept of a flexible space able to adapt for both singular and group use developed. The design of traditional picnic bench was adapted to enforce this idea - rather than designing stationary seating, the parklet incorporates rows of hanging single seat/table combos that slide across parallel tracks. By moving the “swings” back and forth, customers can gather as many or as few seats as they need.
The design includes thoughts into the hanging mechanisms, how to separate the parklet from the parking lot, and how to shield sunlight on a hot summer day. If built, materials would be sourced from wooden pallets and constructed through community driven efforts. This, through design and execution, would reinforce what Wawa means to the community.