Little Rock Masterplan Model
High-density urethane, 3D prints, acrylic, baltic birch plywood
42 x 90 in model
Fabrication, model making
Sasaki
Programs: Rhino 3D, Bambu Studio, Aspire, Epilog Engraver
Equipment: 3D printer, 3-axis CNC, laser cutter, table saw, various
hand tools
The complexity and meticulous detail were achievable by combining various fabrication techniques, including 3D printing, CNC milling, and various woodworking strategies. This project identifies key areas for transformative public space underneath and around the I-30 bridge. The interstate is modeled using clear acrylic, allowing viewers to look through it and envision the space opening up through its design. Key design features represented in the model include the park’s panhandle, an Indigenous ethnobotanical garden, an Arkansas rose garden curated by the Historic Arkansas Museum, a dog park, a destination play area, wetlands and stormwater gardens, and a new boardwalk pier with a restaurant boathouse. The scope encompassed within the model exemplifies how 30 Crossing Park acts as a point of connection between the riverfront and downtown, bridging multiple areas to bring the city together as a cohesive The model showcases these elements in a clear and accessible way, serving as an effective communication tool for both the client and the broader community.
Reflecting on the model’s significance for the community, Stephanie Belbeck writes, “The model serves as a tool for communication, a bridge between plan and rendering, that allows people to really understand the spatial and vertical concepts of the design... The model perpetuates the momentum for the project, serving as a reminder and aspiration for the community and stakeholders to continue to work together to bring the park to reality.”
Chris Hardy also shared his perspective, writing, “The quality of the fabrication was museum-worthy, prompting surprise from our client that it was made in-house.”
The model was set up in the Chamber of Commerce lobby, where it served as part of a campaign to gain funding and promote public support. The model was successful in helping to raise 30 million dollars from the Bezos Earth Fund and an additional 20 million dollars from a private donor, fully funding the entire project. Following these investments, Sasaki was then selected to implement its awarded master plan design for the City of Little Rock. The model played a crucial role in the overall success of the project.
For more information on the Little Rock project as a whole, visit the following link: 30 Crossing Park Master Plan – Sasaki